Saint George The Younger

Biography

Saint George The Younger, also known as George of Militene, was born into a wealthy family in Mitylene, on the island of Lesbos, Greece, around the year 776. Even from a young age, George showed compassion and a strong desire to help others. He dedicated his fortune to assisting the sick and the poor, tirelessly providing for their needs until his wealth was entirely depleted.

Inspired by his selfless service, George embarked on a spiritual journey and decided to enter a monastery, where he embraced a life of prayer, fasting, and simplicity. His humility and deep commitment to his faith soon caught the attention of the Church, and he was eventually ordained as a bishop in Mitylene.

Referred to as "The Younger," George distinguished himself from his predecessors who shared the same name and held the position of bishop in Mitylene. His reputation as a humble and pious leader quickly spread, as did his gifts of healing and his ability to drive out evil spirits through exorcisms. His miraculous interventions in the lives of those who sought his aid earned him great respect among the faithful.

During his time as bishop, George boldly opposed Emperor Leo the Armenian and the iconoclast movement, which sought to destroy religious icons and images. Despite facing significant opposition and persecution, he fearlessly stood up for the veneration of sacred images, recognizing their importance in the spiritual lives of the people. His unwavering defense of the icons became a symbol of his courage and steadfast devotion to the Catholic faith.

As a consequence of his resistance to iconoclasm, George was unjustly exiled to Chersonese, near modern-day Sevastopol, Ukraine. In this foreign land, he continued to live a life of holiness and dedicated himself to prayer and acts of service, even as he remained separated from his beloved flock and homeland.

Saint George The Younger passed away in the year 816 in Chersonese, succumbing to natural causes while in exile. However, his impact did not end with his death. His relics were eventually returned to Mitylene, and his tomb became renowned as a site of miraculous healings, further emphasizing his sanctity and the ongoing intercession he provided for those in need.

Recognized for his unwavering faith, his acts of charity, and his defense of the veneration of icons, Saint George The Younger was canonized by the Catholic Church. His life serves as an inspiration to all, a reminder of the importance of humility, compassion, and unwavering devotion to God. His story stands as a testament to the power of faith in standing up against injustice and adversity, and his example continues to touch the lives of countless believers today.