Saint George and the Pattern of the Good

Ah, Saint George's Day! As the calendar turns towards this special occasion, a familiar flurry often dances across the digital landscape. It seems the very notion of Saint George as England's steadfast patron saint sparks quite the spirited debate online. You've likely seen the comments, haven't you? The emphatic declarations that "actually, he was Turkish!" and the pronouncements that "he never even set foot on English soil!" It always amuses me, this passionate exchange, especially when the generally accepted details of Saint George's life are, well, rather well-established.

Let's gently untangle this historical thread, shall we? While the geographical area where our valiant Saint George first drew breath, Cappadocia, does indeed lie within the borders of modern-day Turkey, it's a touch anachronistic to say he was "born Turkish." After all, the nation of Turkey wouldn't emerge for another sixteen centuries! So, while there's a whisper of truth in the geographical origin, the intention behind such a statement often feels like a rather mischievous attempt to sever the saint's connection to England. Interestingly, we rarely see such fervent challenges leveled against the other beloved patron saints of the United Kingdom, with the notable exception of our own Saint David. It's a curious quirk, isn't it, that none of the others were actually born within the lands they came to represent?

And what about the claim that Saint George never graced our shores? Well, that much is generally agreed upon. But to view this as some sort of disqualification is to miss the very essence of what Saint George embodies. The spirit of Saint George, the powerful symbolism he carries, is what graces the English flag, not because he was a native son or a visiting dignitary. It's because he stands as the quintessential self-sacrificing hero, an outsider who bravely risked everything to liberate the vulnerable from the clutches of a fearsome dragon. He is the embodiment of courage unwavering in the face of peril, his faith (symbolized by the cross) his only shield, his heart set on rescuing the innocent and the pure. Ultimately, Saint George embodies the pattern of the good that we English should all strive to emulate.

The tale of Saint George is a timeless myth, a classic hero's journey that resonates across centuries. Indeed, the archetype of the dragon-slaying hero predates the historical figure of Saint George himself. Through his unwavering faith in Christ and his remarkable bravery, he willingly faced martyrdom, ultimately triumphing over the tyrannical "dragon" that was once the Roman Empire.

So, as Saint George's Day dawns, let us celebrate not just a historical figure, but the enduring ideals he represents. Let us remember how Saint George, following the divine example, showed us in his time the enduring power of courage and faith to conquer the dragons we face in our own. Happy Saint George's Day to you all!