Holy Great Martyr George

Life

On this day is celebrated the translation of the relics of Saint George from Nicomedia to the city of Lydda in Palestine, where he suffered in the time of Emperor Diocletian. The passion of this wondrous saint is described under April 23. Before his death, Saint George entreated his servant to take his body after death and carry it to Palestine, whence his mother was by birth, and where he had a great estate, which he distributed to the poor. The servant did so. In the time of Emperor Constantine, a beautiful church of Saint George was built in Lydda by pious Christians, and at the consecration of that church the relics of the saint were transferred into it and buried there. Innumerable miracles have occurred from the wonderworking relics of Saint George, the Great Martyr of Christ.