Who Was Saint George? The Patron Saint Behind Our Name

At St. George’s Society of New York, we are proud to carry the name of a legendary figure whose story has inspired generations. But who exactly was Saint George, and why does he remain such a powerful symbol?

The Legend of Saint George

Saint George is best known as the patron saint of England, famously depicted in the tale of Saint George and the Dragon. Although the legend features a heroic knight slaying a dragon to save a city, the real Saint George was believed to be a Roman soldier of Greek origin, martyred for his Christian faith in the 3rd century. His courage and conviction made him a revered figure across Europe and beyond.

His story gained popularity in medieval England and was officially recognized when Saint George’s Day was declared a national feast day in the 13th century. Although it is usually celebrated on April 23rd, in 2025 it will be observed on April 28th, as Saint's Days cannot be celebrated during the week leading up to Easter. Today, he remains a symbol of bravery, chivalry, and defense of the vulnerable,values that align with our mission.

Why Saint George Inspires Us

Founded in 1770, St. George’s Society of New York chose this name to reflect the spirit of support, service, and solidarity that Saint George embodies. Our charity continues to assist people of British and Commonwealth heritage in need, echoing St. George’s legacy of helping those in need.

Did You Know?

1. St. George isn’t just England’s patron saint.
   While most people associate St. George with England, he is also the patron saint of many other countries, including Portugal, Georgia, Ethiopia, and Catalonia (in Spain). His universal appeal resonates with the broad values he represents - courage, sacrifice, and the protection of the vulnerable.

2. He never actually visited England.
   Despite being England’s patron saint, St. George likely never set foot there. His veneration was brought to England by returning Crusaders in the 11th and 12th centuries, who admired him as a symbol of Christian knighthood.

3. St. George’s Day was once as big as Christmas.
   During the height of his popularity in England in the 15th century, St. George’s Day (April 23rd) was a major celebration, on par with Christmas. Over time, its importance declined, but in recent years, interest in reviving the tradition has grown.

4. His emblem is part of many flags.
   The red cross of St. George on a white background is known as the St. George’s Cross. It is the national flag of England and also forms part of the Union Jack, the flag of the United Kingdom.

5. He symbolizes unity across cultures.
   St. George’s widespread veneration makes him a powerful symbol of cross-cultural respect and unity. For a charity like St. George’s Society of New York, which supports people of diverse Commonwealth backgrounds, this symbolism is especially meaningful.

Join Us in Making a Difference

At St. George’s Society of New York, we are inspired everyday by the values Saint George represents: compassion and unwavering support for those in need. For more than 255 years, we have carried that spirit forward by providing vital assistance to immigrants of British and Commonwealth heritage facing hardship in New York City.

Through our charitable programs, we have helped senior citizens live with dignity through financial support and housing assistance, funded scholarships for final-year college students, and helped British families affected by pediatric cancer afford life-saving treatment in NYC.

Just like Saint George, we strive to offer hope and support to those who need it most. Learn more about our charitable programs, events, and how you can support our mission.