23
April. 1662 Book of Common Prayer. George, Martyr.
George, Martyr,
called in the Eastern Church "the Great Martyr," commemorated in
Syria by churches founded in the 4th or 5th century, and referred to by a synod
under Pope Gelasius in 494. By early tradition he is described simply as a
military tribune, born in Cappadocia, and martyred at Nicomedia under
Diocletian (A.D. 303); some accounts making him the young man who tore down the
Imperial Edict of persecution, and was put to death by torture. Afterwards, by
accident or intention, he was confused with George of Cappadocia, the intruding
Arian Bishop of Alexandria against Athanasius (A.D. 356); and his independent
historical existence has been unnecessarily doubted. How the legends of St.
George were formed, and how his special connection with England arose, is
uncertain. The latter dates its beginning from the Crusades, but was not fully
established till the time of Edward III, founder of St. George's Chapel at
Windsor. -- April 23rd.
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