When did Saint George die and during which persecution?
Saint George died on the 23rd of April in the year 303 during the Diocletianic persecution. He was executed because of his faith after being arrested and tortured near Lydda or Diospolis.
Questions about Saint George
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who were the parents of Saint George and where was he born?
Saint George was born in Cappadocia, a region within Anatolia, to parents named Saint Gerontios and Saint Polychronia. His father came from Cappadocia while his mother originated from Syria Palaestina.
How did the story of Saint George defeating a dragon originate and when did it reach Latin Europe?
The story of Saint George defeating a dragon first appeared in an 11th-century Georgian source before reaching Latin Europe in the 12th century. The version of the legend where Diocletian appears as persecutor is not primitive and seems to be a rationalized form of the name Dadianus.
Which countries elevated Saint George to patron saint status and when did this occur?
England elevated Saint George to patron saint status during the 14th century when Edward III chose him for his Order of the Garter around 1348. Portugal made him its patron saint during the reign of D. John I between 1357 and 1433 after Nuno Álvares Pereira attributed victory at the battle of Aljubarrota in 1385 to Saint George.
What is the origin of the red cross on a white field associated with Saint George?
The widespread attribution to George of the red cross on a white field probably first arose in Genoa which had adopted this image for their flag and George as their patron saint in the 12th century. A vexillum beati Georgii is mentioned in the Genovese annals for the year 1198 referring to a red flag with a depiction of George and the dragon.