St. George, Victorious Martyr was born in Cappadocia in 284 A.D. to pious parents and raised in Christian faith. He became a courageous commander of the Roman Legion and was personally known to the Emperor. In 303 the Emperor Diocletian tried to persuade St. George to deny Christ. When the Emperor's attempt did not bring the expected result the holy martyr was sent to a place of torture. Nothing could shake his faith. He bore torments and glorified the Lord. The torturers stretched his body on a wheel and whipped him with ox tendons. They threw him in quick lime and forced him to run on sharp nails, but nothing broke the martyr's spirit. With indescribable steadfastness St. George struck a crushing blow upon the Emperor. His wife Alexandra came to the aid of St. George and became Christian. Resentful, Diocletian convicted his wife and St. George and sentenced both to death. The verdict was carried out in Nicomedia, in April 303. The Holy Martyr was beheaded. Along with the name "GREAT MARTYR," for his courage in bearing torments, for his victory over the tortures and for his miraculous aid to the needy, and suffering, and those in danger, the Church designated to St. George another name, "VICTORIOUS." The relics of the Saint were placed in Lydda of Palestine, and his head is preserved in Rome in the Church named after him.