Saint George

...is known to have killed a dragon. The details are a bit fuzzy, since dragons don't really exist. At least not lately. But his Feast Day is today, so his name, and this story, are worth mentioning. He is also the patron saint of agricultural workers; Amersfoort, Netherlands; Aragon; archers; armourers; Beirut, Lebanon; Bulgaria; butchers; Cappadocia; Catalonia; cavalry; chivalry; Constantinople; Corinthians (Brazilian football team); Crusaders; England; equestrians; Ethiopia; farmers; Ferrara; field workers; Genoa; Georgia; Gozo; Greece; Haldern, Germany; Heide; horsemen; horses; husbandmen; knights; lepers; Lithuania; Lod; Malta; Modica, Sicily; Moscow; Order of the Garter; Palestine; Palestinian Christians; Piran; Portugal; Ptuj, Slovenia; Reggio Calabria; riders; saddle makers; Scouts; sheep; shepherds; soldiers; and (whew!) Teutonic Knights. His name is also invoked against herpes, leprosy, plague, skin diseases, and syphilis.

In some countries, Scout groups have their annual "Saint George's Day Banquet" on or near this day. Someday I'll get some time on my hands, and renew the practice in these parts.

I thought I'd graduate first, though. Meanwhile, you can learn more about him here.

"Liberator of captives,
and defender of the poor,
physician of the sick,
and champion of kings,
O trophy-bearer,
and Great Martyr George,
intercede with
Christ our God that
our souls be saved."

(From the troparion of St George in the Orthodox Church. Image of St George from a painting by Gustave Moreau. Used without permission. He won't mind; he's dead.)
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