GEORGE, ST

patron saint of England and Portugal; feast day, April 23. Historically, St. G. is a matter of some controversy; probably came from Asia Minor; lived in Nicodemia; arrested as a Christian under anti-Christian laws of Diocletian, confe ed his faith, and was tortured, 303 A. D. The dragon usually a ociated with him is a later legendary embellishment. Canonized, 1222, and finally recognized as patron of England by Hdward III. in 1349.