You’ve probably seen him in art: a heroic knight, mounted on a horse, slaying a ferocious dragon. The image is iconic—courage, faith, and virtue all in one sweeping stroke. While the dragon itself may be symbolic, the courage of St. George is completely real—and completely needed in today’s world.
Soldier. Martyr. Saint.
St. George lived during one of the most turbulent times for early Christians. Born around the late 3rd century, he rose to become a soldier in the Roman army during the reign of Emperor Diocletian—one of the fiercest persecutors of Christians in history.
When ordered to renounce his faith, George refused. He stood firm, openly declaring himself a follower of Christ. For this bold witness, he was arrested, imprisoned, and subjected to brutal torture. Still, he would not deny his Lord. Eventually, he was martyred by beheading around the year 303.
His unwavering testimony did not go unnoticed. Tradition holds that even some of his jailers converted after witnessing his courage and faith. George’s blood became the seed of new believers, just as Tertullian once wrote that “the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.”
The Legend of the Dragon
The most famous tale of St. George is, of course, the dragon. According to legend, a town was held captive by a dragon demanding human sacrifices. When the king’s daughter was chosen as the next victim, George rode into town, confronted the beast, and with his lance struck it down. In gratitude, the townspeople converted to Christianity and were baptized.
While historians note that the dragon story is likely a later legend, it captures deeper spiritual truths. The dragon symbolizes evil, sin, and the oppressive forces that seek to devour the innocent. George’s victory over it reflects his real-life courage to face persecution, his triumph in spiritual battle, and his total willingness to confront evil head-on.
This is why the image of St. George slaying the dragon endures: it’s more than a fairy tale—it’s a visual parable of Christian courage.
Patron of Heroes
Over time, devotion to St. George spread across the Christian world. He became a symbol of heroic virtue and is venerated as the patron saint of England, soldiers, scouts, and all who face persecution or fear. His cross—the red cross on a white background—still flies on the flag of England and is recognized worldwide as a sign of courage rooted in faith.
Why He Still Matters Today
St. George’s story is not just about the past; it speaks powerfully to the present. Courage and faith always belong together. Like George, we are all called to face “dragons”—not mythical beasts, but the very real battles of temptation, fear, injustice, and spiritual opposition.
Whether you’re resisting peer pressure, standing firm in your Catholic faith at school or work, or speaking up for the vulnerable, the witness of St. George reminds us: God equips us to stand firm. Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s the choice to act in faith despite fear.
Want to Imitate St. George?
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Speak boldly about your faith, even when it’s uncomfortable.
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Fight spiritual “dragons”—temptation, fear, sin—with prayer, sacraments, and truth.
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Defend the weak and voiceless, standing up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.
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Persevere under trial, trusting that Christ will give you strength.
Additional Resources
Read more about the saints on our blog:
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