Saint George
Saint George is the patron saint of England. Authorities generally agree that he was born in Syria Palaestina, in about the year 280 AD. He was born in a Christian family. He died in Nicomedia. He is described as being tall and having fair hair.
George went to Nicomedia, the imperial city of his time. The emperor, Diocletian welcomed George and he rose to the ranks as an Imperial Guard of the Emperor. In 302 AD, Diocletian declares that all Christian guards be arrested and must offer a sacrifice to the Roman Gods. George renounced this edict and openly proclaimed that he followed Jesus Christ. Diocletian, who genuinely liked George, attempted to persuade him with gifts of land, money, and slaves. George did not renounce his belief. Diocletian had no choice but to execute George.
The legend of the execution varies wildly from torture to tales of death and multiple resurrection. The most realistic account describes that he was tortured, including lacerations from a wheel of swords. He was resuscitated three times before the final act of beheading before the wall at Nicomedia on April 23, 303 AD. A wilder story tells that three times is George put to death—chopped into small pieces, buried deep in the earth and consumed by fire—but each time he is resuscitated by the power of God.
More on the legends of Saint George later.