Martyr · 1770
George of Iberia
New Martyr George of Iberia
New Calendar January 2 Old Calendar January 15
Why they are a saint
Saint George (Zorzes) was from Georgia, and was sold into slavery when he was young. His master, a Muslim from the Greek island of Mytilene, forced him to embrace Islam and renamed him Sali. After his master died, George remained on the island and opened a small shop. Venerated as a martyr who died for the faith in Christ.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take George of Iberia as a patron when they bear the name George at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on January 2. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy George of Iberia, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.