Great martyr · 3rd–4th century
George
Greatmartyr, Victory-bearer, and Wonderworker George
New Calendar April 23 Old Calendar May 6
Why they are a saint
The calendar keeps George among those who died for Christ. George, also George of Lydda was an early Christian martyr. A hieromartyr is honored for dying for Christ while serving as a pastor or, in some commemorations, as a named witness of that rank. Orthodox Christians remember his blood-witness together with the other hieromartyrs.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Patron of soldiers, physical danger, cattle and herds (when the Trophy-Bearer), because he was a soldier.
Prayer
O holy George, 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.
Do not confuse with George the Chozebite; George of Sofia; George of Athos; many New Martyr Georges.