Saint George Life, Orhodox Iconography & Saint Geroge ( Agios Geogios)

St. George is one of the most famous and honored saints of Christianity. However, his life history is little known and having as many legend heroes emerged over time. He is celebrated both of the Orthodox Church and Roman Catholic (being also the patron of England), its image is always associated with boundless bravery and faith in the Christian church to the supreme sacrifice.

The Life of Saint George

Saint George was born in Cappadocia, of Christian parents. He lived in the time of Emperor Diocletian (Sec. IV). His father was a Roman general, and at the age of 30, St. George in turn became general in the army of Diocletian, thanks of his bravery and victory. In 303, Emperor Diocletian will start fighting against Christians. Were demolished churches, banned gatherings of Christians, burned holy books, and those who refused to sacrifice to the gods were killed. In this situation, St. George confesses his faith in Christ, so that will be imprisoned. It will be subjected to various torments, hit with the spear, pulled on the wheel, placed limestone slabs on the chest and many more, but no torture did not give up his faith.

Those present at these sufferings, amazed that St. George remained unharmed and many of them dropped the pagan faith and received faith in Christ. The miracle of the resurrection of the dead, convinced Empress Alexandra, the wife of Diocletian, to embrace Christianity. St. George was tempted to sacrifice honors the gods, but these attempts were futile. Because not renounced faith in Christ, St. George is sentenced to death by beheading, on 23 April 304, then remaining day of commemoration.

Saint George and the dragon legend

The name of St. George has been linked to an entire story that proves how strong was the belief of this Martyr, so challenged by many and terrible physical and psychological torture. St. George is often associated with the dying dragon. This legend dates back to the twelfth century and one of its variants is the "Golden Legend". It tells how a huge and ferocious dragon appeared near the town of Selena in Lybia. Residents had to offer daily sheep to hunger, and when no longer had sheep, dragon called human sacrifices. Then came a mighty Christian who offered to slay the dragon. In some early icons daughter of the king is depicted in the mouth of the dragon, while a warrior with a spear fight it. After the dragon pierced, took the young princess to the palace of the emperor, who offered her hand and half the kingdom. The brave man refused, saying he has accomplished many things in his fight to defend the church and help the poor and aggrieves; then told them his name was George and left.

St. George in iconography

Iconography keeps the image of St. George riding a horse, with his spear piercing a dragon. It is a pious legend, as St. George saved the city of Silena, Libya Province, terrorized by a dragon. This image of the saint remained in people's memories as a model of courage in battle with the devil. There is represented in a red cloak, the traditional color for a martyr, or as pedestrian warrior or military tribune in patrician clothes with metal tiara on his head, with a breastplate under his cloak, holding a cross in his right hand and a sword in his left hand.

This picture actually symbolizes  the fight against demons and sins, and thin spear, with cross on top and remain unbent, symbolizes strength and God's help. The Byzantine iconographic representations and Renaissance paintings emphasize the importance of the topic. Interesting is how it appears. Always on horseback, always with a spear (or sword) in hand, always in battle with the dragon. Both the character and the horse are tense. The horse extension seems maximized and also focus rider. The dragon has, in turn, terrible ferocity. The scene creates a terrible suspense by eloquence and its plasticity. In fact, the artistic intention is to understand the principle: either George kills the dragon, or vice versa. The viewers are facing a life-and-death struggle. Good and evil compete for supremacy.

But, as expected, good win.

In the Byzantine painting it is represented young, tall body, beardless, with curly hair to his ears. Usually saint is dressed in military attire wearing a tiara on his head and holding a sword in his left hand. Having suffered a martyr's death wearing a red cape over garments, red is the traditional color that symbolizes death of martyrs, and in his right hand with a cross.

Conclusion and general considerations

His strong faith in Jesus Christ and the miracles that were committed during his passion made Christian people, in sign of gratitude and appreciation to appoint as guardian of cities, places of worship and many other establishments, it is the Holy icons and worship through icons.  In icons, paintings and sculpture, St. George are easily recognizable, as often portrayed in a knight costume, battling a fierce dragon or dragon. Sometimes there is riding a unicorn, symbol of purity. The spear  is often represented as broken. The story of St. George is interpreted as an allegory of the struggle to save the soul of the sinful nature of man, as frightening as a dragon. Usually St. George is portrayed as a protector and a symbol of sacrifice for a noble cause.