Honouring The Great Martyr Saint George - Hori Tapu.

Today we honour our patron saint - The Great Martyr Saint George.  Wikipedia tells us that Saint George (Greek: Γεώργιος, Geṓrgios; Latin: Georgius; d. 23 April 303) was a soldier of Greek origins, member of the Praetorian Guard for the Roman emperor Diocletian, who was sentenced to death for refusing to recant his Christian faith.

We remember his courage in publically declaring before his emperor both that the command for all soldiers to sacrifice to the imperial cult or be executed was evil, and that he was a Christian and would not be sacrificing. In the Eastern Orthodox tradition he is named among the great martyrs. He is widely venerated and respected by Christian and non-Christians.

We join with many churches around the world and fly his flag to honour his story. We recall the Muslim saying applied to him that says “The righteous act is to confront the tyrant”. St. George continues to be an inspiration for Christians under persecution, especially Palestinian Christians who claim George as one of their own.

The story of George invites us to consider what beliefs we would be prepared to stand up for, risk our lives for and perhaps even die for? Today we will recall some of the early missionaries to this land who like George, risked their lives and suffered great hardships for what they believed in. And as we reflect on their stories, we pray for Christians around the world who continue to risk their lives and suffer hardship; particularly those who stand for God’s justice, compassion and hospitality.