St. George and Friends

In Coptic tradition, St. George helps those who suffer for Christ, even after his life on earth. Tradition says he aided St. Marina of Antioch, a young woman martyred around 304 AD, celebrated on 21 Tūt. The Coptic Synaxarion tells how Marina faced harsh trials for her faith, enduring pain with a brave heart. In her prison cell, as she prayed, tradition says St. George appeared in a bright vision, wearing soldier’s armor and shining with God’s light. Through his intercession, God gave her strength, promising her a martyr’s crown.

Marina, lifted by St. George, known as the “Prince of Martyrs,” faced her trials with courage. Some say when she was placed in boiling water, God, through her prayers, kept her safe, leading some to believe in Christ. She gave her life for her faith, and her story lives in Coptic churches, like those in Harat Zuwaila, Cairo. Coptic taratib hymns call St. George “The One Quick to Respond,” showing how he helps martyrs like Marina. For Orthodox children, this story teaches that St. George’s prayers, with Christ’s power, guide us through hard times, uniting all saints in God’s love.