"Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten."--G. K. Chesterton
Pardon me for being late with this post, the feast of St. George was April 23rd, but it is that point in the semester.
A few years ago Saint George and a few other saints (including Saint Christopher) were taken off the off the official church calendar because of a lack of historical evidence for their existence, probably prompted by the more fantastic elements in their vitas.
George's actual life has always been shrouded in mystery. Pope Gelasius stated that George was among those saints "whose names are justly reverenced among men, but whose actions are known only to God." Yet legends about the soldier saint who refused to give up his faith in the face of Diocletian's persecutions and who slayed dragons abounded during the Middle Ages, particularly during the Crusades.
Which brings me to the Chesterton quote. While I am inclined to believe that George existed that is not the most important thing to be gained from his life. What is important, what is more than true, is George's witness. He is a protector of Christendom, both in his slaying of the dragon and in his giving his life for his faith. Whether factual or not, George's life remains a witness to Christ and an example to us all--and that makes him worthy of the title saint.
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