Did you know…
• St George is not only famous as England’s patron saint, but is also very much honoured by the Eastern Orthodox Church, wherein he is referred to as a Great Martyr, and in Oriental Orthodoxy overall. His major feast day is on 23 April.
• St George is also one of the patron saints of the Mediterranean islands of Malta and Gozo. In a battle between the Maltese and the Moors, St George was alleged to have been seen with St Paul and St Agata, protecting the Maltese. Besides being the patron of Victoria where St George’s Basilica in Malta is dedicated to him, St George is the protector of the island of Gozo.
• Other countries that celebrate St George’s Day include Portugal, Cyprus, Greece, Georgia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Macedonia.