George,Tribune, Martyr
[23 April]



George's icon flanks the Holy Table in the Chapel of the Centurions, Legio Chrisi


O Almighty God, who didst give to thy servant George boldness to confess the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ before the rulers of this world, and courage to die for this faith: Grant that we may always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, and to suffer gladly for the sake of the same our Lord Jesus Christ; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Patron Saint of England. The cry in the Crusades was, "God for Harry, George, and England". George was a Tribune who suffered at Lydda (Diospolis) in Palestine. The English wore his red cross on their Tunics in the Crusades. The Golden Legend of 1256 featured a story of George slaying a dragon and credited him with saving a damsel. His cross is visible on the British Flag, and was on the first American flag as part of the Union.

Here is David Wood's excellent site on George from his Military Martyrs: