Saint George

a) Who was St George?
He was a cavalier.

b) Where was he born?
George was born a citizen of the Roman Empire at Cappadocia, Turkey, in 280AD. At the age of 17 he joined the Roman Army and quickly rose through the ranks.

c) What was his occupation?
He was a cavalier.

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 by the establishment. The emerging religion was perceived to be undermining the Roman morale and order

f) What did the Roman Emperor do that made St. George angry?
Because 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 took a stand at the city of Nicomedia, in Palestine. John Clemence said: “George tore down the Emperor’s edict and worked to alleviate the suffering of Christians in the area. His position however was unsustainable. He was taken prisoner and brought before Diocletian. George gave a passionate speech denouncing the persecution and defending Christianity.”

h) What did the Roman Emperor do to St. George?
Diocletian ordered George to be tortured until he renounced his faith. George refused to submit and was beheaded on April 23 303AD.