Saint George is one of the most prominent Saints of the Christian religion, not only of the Eastern Orthodox Church, but also of all the other denominations and formalities of Christianity. In Greece he is the patron of the Army and the Infantry.

He is also one of the few figures associated with Christianity who enjoys appreciation and special respect even from the Muslim world.

In the Western tradition, Saint George is presented as a crusading knight. His shield is white and bears a red cross, which is associated with the recognition of the Saint as the patron saint of England.

The presence of Saint George is referred to in several of the campaigns and battles of the Franks during the Middle Ages. In many literary works of the Middle Ages, Saint George appears and plays an important role, which is why he has been associated with chivalry and the Army.

Over the years, he was declared the patron of the military and the patron of entire States and regions. In addition to the country itself, he is also considered a patron of the royal family of England.

In Greece, he was established as the patron of the Land Forces, except the Artillery, by royal decree of 1968. In the same decree, Saint Barbara was declared the patron saint of the Artillery. Since then there has been constant honor, respect, and loyalty of all the Military in the person of Saint George.

On the occasion of Saint George day, the Minister of Defence, Nikos Dendias, in his post, sends his best wishes to those celebrating and to the Army. 

Χρόνια πολλά στις εορτάζουσες και τους εορτάζοντες για τη σημερινή μεγάλη εορτή του Αγίου Γεωργίου, Προστάτη του Στρατού Ξηράς και του Πεζικού μας! Θερμές ευχές για υγεία, δημιουργία, προσωπική & οικογενειακή ευτυχία. pic.twitter.com/VjSFFcQWmK

— Nikos Dendias (@NikosDendias) May 6, 2024

Also read: Saint Georgios – The patron saint of the Hellenic Army