The legacy of Saint George: faith, struggle, and resistance

Every April 23rd, crowds gather in prayers, promises, and festivities in honor of one of the most beloved saints in Brazil: Saint George. Known as the "Warrior Saint," he transcends the boundaries of religion and becomes an icon of resistance, courage, and faith. The strength of his image crosses centuries, continents, and beliefs, touching everyone from devout followers to artists, athletes, and entire communities.

And after all, about this figure that embodies so much faith and courage, who was Saint George? And why does his image remain so present in popular imagination, especially in such challenging times?

Saint George was a Roman soldier who lived between the 3rd and 4th centuries. Born in Cappadocia, in an area that today belongs to Turkey, he served in the army of Emperor Diocletian. When he refused to renounce Christianity, he was brutally martyred and executed, becoming a martyr of the Christian faith. But it was the famous "legend of the dragon" that immortalized his name. According to tradition, George saved a city threatened by a dragon, facing the creature with courage, sword, shield, and mounted on his white horse. With a precise blow, he killed the monster and freed the people from fear — becoming the eternal symbol of the struggle between good and evil.

The Image That Protects

The image of Saint George is iconic and filled with symbolism:

• The armor represents divine protection.

• The white horse symbolizes purity and spiritual strength.

• The lance and the sword are weapons of faith, courage, and justice.

• The dragon represents the challenges, injustices, and evils — external and internal — that everyone faces.

This powerful representation has made him a symbol of bravery for those facing daily struggles, whether spiritual, social, or personal.

As for the curiosities that, in summary, most people do not know — Saint George is the "patron of England," Georgia, and Catalonia, in addition to being venerated in several countries in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Moreover, in football, teams like Corinthians maintain a strong devotion to the saint, displaying his image on flags and shirts. He is also frequently invoked by military personnel, athletes, police officers, and musicians, who see him as a protector in their daily battles. His name inspires classic Brazilian songs from MPB to samba, as in the works of Jorge Ben Jor, Zeca Pagodinho, and Seu Jorge.

The Warrior Saint in the World: Patron and Symbol

Saint George is one of the most venerated saints worldwide. His devotion crosses borders and cultures, being a patron of various countries and cities:

• England: considered a national symbol since the 14th century and a central figure in coats of arms and celebrations.

• Portugal: especially venerated during the Avis dynasty, when he was invoked as a protector in battles.

• Georgia: the very name of the country, in English (Georgia), has roots associated with the saint.

• Catalonia: Saint George's day is celebrated with a beautiful tradition of exchanging books and flowers, promoting culture and affection.

• He is also a patron or highly revered in Ethiopia, Lithuania, Russia, Palestine, among other countries.

In Orthodox, Catholic, and Anglican iconography, Saint George represents spiritual resistance and divine justice — a true warrior of faith.

Syncretism, Popular Devotion, and Resistance

In Brazil, Saint George holds a special place in the people's hearts. His devotion goes beyond religion: it is a cultural, social, and spiritual manifestation, especially alive in Rio de Janeiro, Bahia, and the outskirts of large urban centers. Here, Saint George syncretizes with Ogum, the warrior orixá of Afro-Brazilian religions such as Umbanda and Candomblé. Ogum is the lord of paths, iron, war, and technology — a true archetype of struggle, justice, and strength.

This fusion between the Catholic saint and the African orixá gave rise to a unique devotion, marked by masses, giras, offerings, songs, prayers, and drumming — all coexisting with respect and power.

Saint George's Day in Brazil (April 23)

In Rio de Janeiro, the day has been a state holiday since 2001. The city dresses in white and red. Masses begin at midnight, with enormous lines at the Church of Saint George in the city center. Fireworks, feijoadas, ribbons, candles, and a lot of faith. In Bahia, the date is marked by Afro-Brazilian rituals, street parties, and tributes to Ogum, with typical foods such as amalá and lots of samba de roda.

In São Paulo, especially in the outskirts, faith in Saint George grows as a symbol of protection and resistance against violence, injustice, and neglect.

This celebration has a strong community, affectionate, and identity character. Saint George represents the people who fight — and do not give up.

Symbolism and Contemporary Relevance

Saint George is much more than a saint or orixá. He is a symbol of faith, protection, and popular resistance. His image appears on tattoos and graffiti walls, rosaries and scapulars, t-shirts, flags, and album covers, along with songs from MPB, samba, rap, and funk.

Artists have already paid homage to him. Football teams also maintain strong devotion to him, seeing him as a symbol of grit and loyalty. In the battles of everyday life — be they social, spiritual, or emotional — Saint George is the shield of faith for millions. His presence, especially in the outskirts and communities, symbolizes the most beautiful aspects of Brazilian faith: the mixture, the hope, and the collective struggle.

Legacy

Saint George's Day, celebrated on April 23, stands out as much more than just a religious date. We can understand it as a call to faith, resistance, and unity — representing the Christian martyr, the mythical warrior, the symbol of struggle, and the protective orixá.

Saint George rides between worlds — between the East and the West, the sacred and the popular, the altar and the street. He unites voices, colors, drums, prayers, and hopes. He is the people's saint, protector of the humble, defender of those who do not bow their heads in the face of life's battles.

In a country where faith is also a form of resistance, Saint George remains one of the greatest symbols of courage and protection — reminding us that the struggle may be hard, but never solitary. Despite many seeing him merely as a saint, we can note that Saint George is a living representation of faith, courage, and protection. His historical legacy continues to inspire, unite, and strengthen all those who, in the face of their own dragons, choose to fight and persist.

Saint George's Prayer for Protection

"I will walk dressed and armed with the weapons of Saint George,

so that my enemies, having feet, do not reach me;

having hands, do not catch me;

having eyes, do not see me;

and neither may they have thoughts to do me harm.

Weapons of fire will not reach my body,

knives and spears may break without touching my body,

ropes and chains may break without binding my body.

Jesus Christ protect and defend me with the power of his holy and divine grace.

The Virgin Mary of Nazareth cover me with her sacred and divine mantle,

protecting me in all my pains and afflictions.

And God, with his divine mercy and great power,

be my defender against the evils and persecutions of my enemies.

Glorious Saint George, in the name of God,

extend to me your shield and your powerful weapons,

defending me with your strength and greatness,

and that beneath the hooves of your faithful steed,

my enemies may remain humble and submissive to you.

So be it, with the power of God, of Jesus, and the legion of the Divine Holy Spirit.

Amen."