Voices from across the Church of England come together today to invite people across the country to share in celebrating St George as “our patron saint – for everyone in England”.
The film, being shared across Church of England social media channels today, tells how St George, a Roman soldier martyred in the 3rd Century, became a symbol of courage and inspiration to Christians to stand strong in their faith.
It details how he became the patron saint of cities, regions and countries across three continents – including England where the Cross of St George ultimately becoming part of the Union Flag “placing the cross at the very heart of our national symbol”.
St George’s Day isn’t only about flags or legends, such as the story of the dragon, the film adds: “It draws on a deep tradition of faith, stretching across centuries and continents.
“St George is our patron saint – for everyone in England.”
The film is part of a package of material and resources shared by the Church of England today to support churches celebrating St George’s Day including prayers and a range of stories featuring St George’s churches across the country – focussing on their history, traditions and work in their local communities today.
For the first time there will be a special national online service for St George’s Day from St George’s Church on the Harold Hill estate in Romford.
“St George’s Day is a great opportunity to bring people together in unity to celebrate all that we have in common in this country,” said the Bishop of Leicester, Martyn Snow, who chairs the Bishops’ Working Group for Promoting Unity in our Nation, and also appears in the film.