George, this truly great and glorious Martyr of Christ, was born of a father from Cappadocia and a mother from Palestine. Being a military tribune, or chiliarch (that is, a commander of a thousand troops), he was illustrious in battle and highly honoured for his courage. When he learned that the Emperor Diocletian was preparing a persecution of the Christians, Saint George presented himself publicly before the Emperor and denounced him. When threats and promises could not move him from his steadfast confession, he was put to unheard-of tortures, which he endured with great bravery, overcoming them by his faith and love towards Christ. By the wondrous signs that took place in his contest, he guided many to the knowledge of the truth, including Queen Alexandra, wife of Diocletian, and was finally beheaded in 296 in Nicomedia.
His sacred
remains were taken by his servant from Nicomedia to Palestine, to a town called
Lydda, the homeland of his mother, and then were finally transferred to the
church which was raised up in his name. (The translation of the Saint's holy
relics to the church in Lydda is commemorated on November 3; Saint Alexandra
the Queen, on April 21.)
If April 23
falls on or before Great and Holy Pascha, the Feast of St. George is translated
to Bright Monday.
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