Little is known about George, killed for his faith at Lydda, in Palestine, at the beginning of the 4th century. It seems that he was a soldier in the Roman army, was quite involved in the organization of a Christian community at Urmiah (modern Iran), and visited Britain on an imperial expedition. During the reign of Edward III (14th century), he was made patron of the kingdom. George is also patron of several Mediterranean countries, as well as several European countries and cities, and the Boy Scouts. In the Middle East, he is linked with the prophet Elias, under the name El Khader (the living).

Until modern times George played an important role in popular feasts and folklore: 12th-century literature hails him as the dragon-slayer! During the Middle Ages, he was a popular patron of knights, soldiers and crusaders, who adopted "St George's Arms," a red cross on a white background. The red cross appears on the modern Union Jack. The date of his festival is connected with the arrival of spring.

Saint Adalbert

Born in Bohemia (Czech Republic) around 956, Adalbert was consecrated bishop of Prague in 983. The task proved too onerous because of fierce political opposition, and he withdrew to a Benedictine abbey in Rome. He engaged in several very successful preaching missions to Poland, Prussia, Hungary and Russia. Dubbed the "Apostle of the Slavs," he was martyred near Gdansk on this date in 997.©2011 Living with Christ, Novalis - Bayard Press Canada Inc., http://www.livingwithchrist.ca/. Reprinted with permission.