| George the Brave and the Dragon |
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Georgius Fortis or George the Brave is celebrated in Zartomithraism, and forms part of a heroic trinity alongside Zartus Rectus (Zoroaster the Righteous) and Jesus Chrestus (Jesus the Good) who are all seen as forms of Mithra. George the Brave represents the power to stand up for what is right in face of pain, discomfort and risk of death. We celebrate George the Brave especially on the 23rd of April. His standard is a red cross potent on a white background. The Story of St.George and the Dragon - What does it mean? Many see the dragon as a representation of wickedness and evil. They also understand the princess as eternal truth, virtue, and beauty. With this understanding of the story, we see that it is actually far more important than it was before. At first glance the story teaches the importance of courage, faith, and fortitude. However, with a deeper understanding we can see that the story teaches us that just as the dragon desired to take truth and beauty away from the people, so too do does Evil Power attempt to take truth and beauty away from our lives. So we must have the courage to battle the devils that destroy and protect truth, beauty, and goodness. The historical St. George most likely lived as a Roman soldier under Emperor Diocletian who viciously persecuted Christians during his reign. Saint George was targeted for his faith, and, being a soldier, was brutally tortured in order to make him deny Christ. Seeing Christ as the source of all that was good, St. George accepted death rather than deny Him. Thus, Saint George was a man of conviction, courage, and tremendous faith as seen through both his legends and life. He made a stand for truth, goodness and beauty, and showed the way to ultimate triumph over the devilish powers and spirits that eat away at the foundations of the happy life. Invocation of Saint George (adapted from the original) Faithful and courageous servant of the Good, St.George, you were inflamed with an ardent love of the Divine One who works only for the Good. You fought valiantly against the dragon of destruction, the cold-hearted and deceitful one filled with lust for its own gain alone. Neither pain nor torture, sword nor death could part thee from the love of the Good One. I fervently implore thee to help me to overcome the temptations that surround me, and to bear bravely the trials that oppress me, so that I may patiently carry the burden which is placed upon me; and let neither distress nor difficulties separate me from the love of the Good. adapted by MZ  |