1. A biography of St. George

a) Who was St George?
He was a Christian. At the age of seventeen he joined the Roman army and soon became renowned for his bravery. He served under a pagan Emperor but never forgot his Christian faith.

b) Where was he born?
George was born a citizen of the Roman Empire at Cappadocia, Turkey, in 280AD.

c) What was his occupation?
“He soon held the officer’s title of millenary, or Tribunus Militum, which is about the same level as a full military colonel.


d) What kind of person was he?
He was an impressive man in looks and personality. Records describe him as tall in stature and strikingly handsome. Among his men, he gained a reputation for being fair, chivalrous and brave.

e) What was the official religion of the Roman Empire?
The main religion of the Roman Empire was Paganism and Christianity was feared

f) What did the Roman Emperor do that made St. George angry?
Christian scriptures were burnt, churches were destroyed and practising Christians lost their right to Roman citizenship. Violence soon followed. Among the Christian communities, Diocletian became known as the cruellest ever persecutor of the faith.

g) What was St. George's reaction?
George was a Christian convert and he decided to speak out against his Emperor’s actions.

h) What did the Roman Emperor do to St. George?

George gave a passionate speech denouncing the persecution and defending Christianity.


2. The influence of St. George in the Middle Ages

a) When was he made a Saint?

The date of his martyrdom has become the date we celebrate Saint George’s Day. His courage and faith were exalted by the early Christians and his martyrdom elevated him to a special place in the Christian church.

b) How was St. George important in the following events:

• • The Crusades?
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George was canonized by Pope Gelasius in 494AD. In the Eleventh Century, the first English Crusaders adopted Saint George's emblem as an identifying symbol. Many English crusaders wore his pennant on their travels and the bright red cross on a white background became a common sight for travellers across Europe.

• • The Battle of Antioch?
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Saint George is said to have appeared to the Crusaders before a major battle at Antioch. Word of this alleged miracle assured his place as a revered saint.

• • The establishment of the Order of the Garter?
  
  In 1348, Edward III established the Knights of the Garter, the oldest order of chivalry in Europe. It was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Edward the Confessor and Saint George.

c) Why did Howard Ruff start the Society of St. George?

The Royal Society of Saint George was founded in 1894. Its first royal patron was Queen Victoria.