The Life of St. George the Victorious: photos and interesting facts

George the Victorious - one of the most revered martyrs of the Christian church. He was called so for his courage in the struggle against the torturers and the preservation, in spite of everything, of his faith and devotion to Christianity. He was famous for his holy and his miraculous help to people. The life of St. George the Victorious is characterized by many interesting facts, and the history of his first posthumous phenomenon to people and at all resembles a fairy tale. Not for nothing events from the life of the holy saint are so interesting not only for adults but also for children.

Miraculous phenomenon of St. George the Victorious

A long time ago a huge snake started up in the lake. There was no passage from him: the monster devoured everyone who wandered in the neighborhood. Local sages, having conferred, decided to propitiate the serpent, sacrificing their own children. Gradually the turn came to the most royal daughter, who was distinguished by a dazzling beauty.

On the appointed day the girl was led to the lake and left at the agreed place. People stayed to look at the execution of the poor from afar. And that's what they saw, ready to mourn the princess: out of nowhere, appeared a stately horseman in the clothes of a warrior and with a spear in his hands. He was not afraid of the serpent, but crossed himself, rushed to the monster and struck him with a spear with one blow.

After this, the brave young man said to the princess: "Do not be afraid. Tie the snake with a belt and lead to the city. " On their way, the people fled in horror when they saw the monster. But the warrior reassured them with the words: "Believe in our Lord Jesus Christ. He sent me, that I might deliver you from the serpent. " This is how the miraculous phenomenon of George the Victorious happened to people, after the end of his life.

Life of the Holy Great Martyr

His earthly life was short. Therefore, he tells a little about the life of St. George the Victorious. The summary can be recounted in several paragraphs, but this saint entered the history of Christianity as one of the most famous and revered martyrs who took a calm and courageous demise.

Birth and childhood

The life of the great martyr George the Victorious begins with his birth in Cappadocia. The saint's parents were pious and meek. Father George was a martyr and took death for his faith. After that, the mother, having taken her son, moved to her homeland, to Palestine. The boy was raised by a true Christian, received a good education, and due to his courage and remarkable strength, soon entered the military service.

Young years and service with the emperor

Already at the age of twenty, Georgy had a whole cohort of invictors (which means "invincible") in submission. With the title of commander, the young man received the protection of the emperor himself. However, he venerated the Roman gods and was an ardent opponent of the Christian faith. Therefore, when the Emperor ordered him to burn sacred books and destroy churches, George distributed all his property to poor people and appeared in the Senate. There he publicly declared that Emperor Diocletian was a cruel and unjust ruler, whom the people did not deserve. A handsome and brave young man tried to dissuade, prayed not to ruin his own glory and youth, but he was adamant. It is such an indestructible faith that the life of St. George, even in brief content, usually puts at the head of all the virtues of the Great Martyr.

Trials and death

The young man was subjected to cruel tortures, and then beheaded. Since he endured all the tortures with courage and did not deny Jesus Christ, George the Victorious was later ranked among the saints. This is the short life of St. George the Victorious.

The day of his execution took place on April 23, which corresponds to May 6 on a new calendar. It is on this day that the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. George the Victorious. His relics are kept in the Israeli city of Lod, in the same place a temple of his name is built. And the severed head of the saint and his sword are in Rome to this day.

Miracles of St. George the Victorious

The main miracle, which describes the life of St. George the Victorious, is his victory over the serpent. It is this story that is often depicted on Christian icons: a saint here is depicted on a white horse, and his spear hits the monster's mouth.

There is one more, no less well-known miracle, which occurred after the death of the Great Martyr George and his attribution to the saints. This story happened after the Arab people attacked Palestine. One of the invaders went to the Orthodox church and found a priest there for prayer before the image of St. George the Victorious. Wishing to show disdain for the icon, the Arab took out his bow and put an arrow into it. But it so happened that the released arrow sank into the warrior's hand, without causing the icon any damage.

Sick of pain, the Arab called the priest. He told him the story of St. George, and also advised him to hang his icon in his bed. The life of George the Victorious made such a strong impression on him that the Arab accepted Christianity, and then even began to preach it among his compatriots, for which he accepted the martyr's death of the righteous afterwards.

True miracles occurred with George during the torture. For 8 days, cruel tortures lasted, but according to the will of the Lord the body of the youth was healed and strengthened, remaining unscathed. Then the emperor decided that he uses magic, and wanted to destroy him with poisonous potions. When this did not harm Georgy, they decided to publicly shame him and force him to renounce his faith. The young man was offered to try to resurrect the deceased person. What was the shock of the gathered people, when, after the holy prayer, the dead really rose from the tomb, and the earth shook at the will of God.

It is not only a miracle that one can call a curative source, which scored in the place where the church of St. George the Victorious was built. It is located exactly where, according to legend, the saint has dealt with the serpent.

What can you tell the children about St. George?

A lot of things became famous for his life, George the Victorious. Life and for children will be interesting. For example, you can tell them that this saint is revered not only in our country, but also abroad. And his life was the best example of how a true faith in God helps us overcome any trials.

Young listeners and miracles that the Lord showed to the people through this great martyr will be interesting. Thanks to them many lost people regained their faith and came to Christ. Georges the Victorious lived in the III century, but his feats and miracles strengthen the people's faith and today, giving strength to cope with troubles and gratefully accept everything that prepares us for life.

Often children ask questions about why on the icons the spear in the hand of St. George is subtle-thin? So not that a snake, even a fly can not kill. In fact, this is not a spear, but a real, sincere prayer, which was the main weapon of the Great Martyr. After all, only with prayer, as well as a huge faith in the Lord, a person has great strength, courage and happiness.

The facts connected with George the Victorious

1. The saint is known by several names. In addition to the title of St. George, he is called George of Liddes and Cappadocia, and in Greek the name of the Great Martyr is written as follows: Άγιος Γεώργιος.
2. May 6, the day of St. George, is also honored and the memory of Queen Alexandra, the wife of the Emperor Diocletian. She took Georgy's torment so deeply to heart and so believed in his own faith that she recognized herself as a Christian. Then the emperor immediately sentenced her to death.
3. George the Victorious, whose life became a true example of courage and bravery, especially revered in Georgia. The first church named after St. George was built there in 335. After several centuries, new temples and chapels began to be built. In total, they were erected in different parts of this country as many days as in the year - 365. Today it is impossible to find any Georgian church in which there would be no image of St. George the Victorious.
4. The name George in Georgia is also very popular. It is given to everyone - from ordinary people to rulers from the greatest dynasties. It was believed that a man named after St. George would not know anything about failures and out of any situation would be victorious.

Sometimes it's hard to believe that the life of George the Victorious really describes the really happened events. After all, there are so many inhuman tortures, valor and indestructible faith in him, as it is simply impossible for us, simple mortals, to imagine. However, the history of this saint is the best example of how to overcome any adversity with the help of true faith.