St George’s Day

Presentation to the multi-age class of Mrs Bullock,

Cornerstone Elementary, 23 April 04

The Flag of St George

What is a Saint?

A person whose life and example have become the object of veneration (worship, cult) within branches of the Christian Church

The cult of Saints is especially important in the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican (Episcopalian) Church, and the Eastern Churches

When did Saints live, what did they do?

Many churches continue to create new Saints, but they are especially associated with the early centuries of Christianity.

Some were persecuted for their beliefs, others provided spiritual models; they are said to have performed miracles

Who was St George?

Almost nothing is known for certain, but he is thought to have lived about 1,700 years ago, in Palestine

He was probably “martyred” (killed for his beliefs).

But around his life a legend grew up

St George and the Dragon St George is said

to have killed a dragon which was terrorizing a whole city.

The legend associates military prowess with Christian faith

St George -- patron St George became

especially popular with European soldiers fighting in the Middle East during the Middle Ages

A famous English King, Richard the Lionheart, made him patron of his army (1191-92)

St George, Patron Saint of England Probably in 1348

Edward III made him Patron Saint of England

At Agincourt (great English victory over the French, 1415), King Henry V called upon St George

According to Shakespeare, Henry V called for St George before battle " I see you Stand like

greyhounds in the slips,Straining upon the Start. The game's afoot:Follow your spirit; and, upon this chargeCry "God for Harry! England and Saint George!"

Spenser, another great English poet, also wrote about St George

But on his breast a bloody Cross he boreThe dear remembrance of his dying Lord,For whose sweet sake that glorious badge we woreAnd dead (as living) ever he adored.

St George also patron of Catalonia Georgia (hence its

name) Moscow – he is on

the Moscow Crest

St George and Barcelona

St George and Moscow

St George today On 23 April, the

Cross of St George is flown everywhere in England

English sports fans always call upon St George

To everyone in Mrs Bullock’s class --

Happy St George’s Day!