Description

St. George (traditionally c. AD 275–303), honoured as the Holy Greatmartyr (Μεγαλομάρτυς), was a Christian soldier serving in the Roman army during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. When the persecution of Christians intensified, George openly confessed his faith, distributed his possessions to the poor and refused to sacrifice to the pagan gods. He endured imprisonment and torture but remained steadfast before finally being beheaded for Christ.

When shown mounted upon a white horse and piercing a dragon, St. George is represented through a traditional image of Christian victory rather than a straightforward historical scene. The dragon signifies evil, idolatry and the powers that enslave mankind, while the rescued maiden and city represent those delivered through divine grace. George triumphs not through worldly conquest, but through Christ working in a faithful martyr.

Icon Source & Historical Details

Location: Stavronikita Monastery, Mount Athos

Iconographer: Theophanes the Cretan

Date: 16th century

Tradition: Cretan

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