Although Saint George never visited England, he has been the Patron Saint of England since the 1340s.  He was born in Cappadocia (modern-day Türkiye) and served with distinction, likely as an officer of the Roman Army.  However, after becoming a Christian and declaring his new faith in front of the Roman Emperor, he was immediately sentenced to death, making him a martyr.  He was killed and entombed in the town of Diospolis or Lydda in Palestine(now Lod in Israel) in around the year 303.

Although Saint George is often depicted as a knight, it wasn’t until the 11^th Century that he was depicted as the Knight in shining armour who slayed a dragon.  Saint George was popular with many English kings, most notably Edward I (1272 – 1307), who had banners bearing the St. George’s Cross and Edward III (1327 – 1377), who had such a strong interest in Saint George, that he owned a relic of his blood.  However, it wasn’t until the 16^th Century that Saint George’s cross would become England’s national flag.

England is not the only country to have Saint George as their patron saint!  He is truly an international saint, being celebrated in:

·         England

·         Georgia

·         Ethiopia

·         Portugal

·         Lithuania

·         Catalonia (Spain)

·         Aragon (Spain)

·         Palestine

·         Moscow (Russia)

·         Beirut (Lebanon).