Saint George (Mar Girgis) was born in the third century in Cappadocia. He was also called George of Lydda, Palestine where he suffered martyrdom. Many believers nicknamed him, Gawargios. His parents were devoted Christians. His father Anastasios was a martyr too. The picture of his father’s martyrdom, and his genuine faith was printed in George’s heart and mind since he was young. He looked at his father as his role model, and traced his steps. His mother Theopista raised her son in a holy Christian environment.
The story of St. George has been told differently from many legends and sources. But no matter how different they were, they all pointed to his bravery, zeal, and strong faith. He was as a knight with the Roman army felt sad for the evil behavior of the cruel emperor Diocletian in persecuting Christians and destroying churches. When he issued, and posted his decree forcing Christians to burn their holy books, and offer incense and sacrifices to the idols, St. George tore it to pieces in public, as profane. He was arrested, and sent for trial. He did not recant his faith, and did not bend to promises or threat of torture. They tried to seduce him. St. George, not only did not sin, but he succeeded in converting the seducer. Then they tried all means of tortures, thinking he was dead, but by the power of God, he came back alive. Even poison did not affect him, that they thought that it was magic. The suffering of St. George was beyond all imagination. And the people admiring that endurance declared their faith in Christ, George’s God. At last the sword, In 303, martyred St. George. He was only twenty-three years old.