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Saint George George points us to our own place within the larger Story of Christianity. Though this Story never changes, it finds unique expression in each new place and time. George reminds us that our place and time are here in (George) Washington Township at the turn of the 21st century. Almost nothing is known of George, except that he was a Roman soldier martyred for being a Christian early in the 4th century, probably in the town of Lydda, in Palestine. He was so respected that many churches were quickly dedicated to him, and he became one of the primary saints of the Eastern Church. Since then his patronage has been invoked in many parts of the world, including England. In the 11th century, embattled Crusaders received a vision of George coming to their assistance, after which he became the model of a Christian knight, venerated as a warrior-saint. The origin of the legend of George and the dragon is unknown, but its immense popularity dates to the 13th century, when it was spread throughout Europe as part of The Golden Legend. As the story goes, George came upon a land devastated by a fierce dragon, which required periodic human sacrifice. The lot had fallen on the king’s daughter, and as she was waiting for the dragon to come devour her, George arrived. When the dragon appeared, George made the sign of the cross, fought the dragon, and killed it. The king and people converted to Christianity and thousands were baptized. In 16th century England, George became identified with the Redcrosse Knight of Spencer’s The Faerie Queene, an allegorical retelling of the legend in which Redcrosse symbolizes Holiness, who slays the dragon (Satan) with the help of Truth and Grace. Standing just inside the main doors of the church, George introduces our parish to all who enter. His portrayal is classic: rescuing the city of Silena from the dragon by the cross of Jesus Christ. Because George is our patron, his window contains more detail than any other, and ties us to our past as a parish—the red cross in George’s banner was fashioned using red glass blocks from the original parish windows, which were replaced in 2001.
Like Stars Appearing: The Story of the Stained Glass
Windows of St. George's Episcopal Church, Dayton, Ohio | |||
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