Donna Fletcher Crow, Novelist of British History, has written more than 50 books specializing in British Christianity. These books include: The Monastery Murders, clerical mysteries; Lord Danvers Investigates, Victorian true-crime; The Elizabeth and Richard series, literary suspense; and Glastonbury, The Novel of Christian England. She loves research and sharing you-are-there experiences with her readers.

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The Authorized Version

Donna Fletcher Crow, Novelist of British History

A traveling researcher engages people and places from Britain's past and present, drawing comparisons and contrasts between past and present for today's reader.

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Remembering Saint George on His Day

By Donna Fletcher Crow ~ April 23, 2018

The historic George, patron saint of England, is much disputed, but he was most likely a soldier who was martyred at the beginning of the Diocletian persecutions. There are many explanations of the sources of the legends of his slaying a dragon but I like to apply it symbolically to his slaying the dragon of evil by standing strong for his faith.

At least, that's how I portrayed the story in the St. George section of GLASTONBURY, The Novel of Christian England, of my epic grail search novel. You can see the print edition here and the ebook here .

Now, to the story:

The crowd has gathered for George's execution. We see it all through the eyes of his fellow centurion Valerius:

Valerius’s attention was caught by a low, but firm voice speaking from somewhere behind him. It was Eusebius. He spoke out with great courage, given fire by the man who stood before them with the light of heaven radiating from his face. “‘And the dragon was wroth and went to make war with the saints which keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.… And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship the dragon—all those whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain from the foundation of the world. But it shall be given to those who believe on the only begotten Son of God to trample upon serpents. If any man have an ear, let him hear.’”

In the moment of silence that followed, Georg cried out, “Fear not, my friends. If the spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, then He will bring your mortal bodies to life also through His Spirit dwelling in you.”

Galerius jumped to his feet in anger and signaled to the executioner. The man started forward, sun glinting off the sharpened edge of his francisia. But Georg didn’t falter. “It matters nothing whether life is on earth or in heaven. Rejoice in that offering of yourselves to Him, whether for service here or above.”

The executioner was in place, and the axe was swinging as Georgus looked up to heaven and cried, “My Lord Christ, by Your death on the cross You opened the gates of heaven. Admit into Your kingdom one who hopes in You.”

The ï¬‚ow of red blood made a stripe down the front of Georgus’s white tunic, and the rush of air following the return swing of the axe blew a red line across the ï¬rst, forming a cross.

The gloating look left Galerius’s face as Constantine rose from his bench just below Caesar. The tall legate knelt beside the fallen body and gently pulled off the blood-stained tunic. Holding aloft the pristine white banner bearing the red cross of Georgus’s blood, Constantine spoke so quietly that only Sabra, Valerius, and those standing closest heard. “This shall be my banner, and someday I will raise it over the Empire.”

www.donnafletchercrow.com

Reader Comments:

I remember the Saint George section being one of my favorites when I read this book years ago. This is so beautiful. Thank you, Donna.
-LeAnne Hardy, April 23, 2012

Thank you, LeAnne! I'm having a great time with this edit--every section is my favorite, it seems. Am on King Alfred at the moment.
-Donna, April 23, 2012

I learn something every single time I visit your blog, Donna!
-jennymilch, April 24, 2012

Thank you, Jenny! you know, I never got over being a school teacher. I get excited about things I learn and want to tell everybody.
-Donna, April 24, 2012

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The Authorized Version

Donna Fletcher Crow, Novelist of British History

A traveling researcher engages people and places from Britain's past and present, drawing comparisons and contrasts between past and present for today's reader.

Remembering Saint George on His Day

Reader Comments: