St. Luke Byzantine Catholic Church

Liturgy:

Thursday, April 22 - Festal Vespers at 7:00 pm

Friday, April 23 - Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am

The Holy Great Marty George the Victory-Beared, was a native of Cappadocia (a district in Asia Minor), and he grew up in a deeply believing Christian family. When he became a man, Saint George entered into the service of the Roman army. He was handsome, brave and valiant in battle, and he came to the notice of the emperor Diocletian (284-305) and joined the imperial guard with the rank of comites, or military commander. 

Following the advice of the Senate at Nicomedia, Diocletian gave all his governors full freedom in their court against Christians, and he promised them his full support. Saint George, when he heard the decision of the emperor, distributed all his wealth to the poor, freed his servants, and then appeared in the Senate. The brave soldier of Christ spoke out openly against the emperor's designs. He confessed himself a Christian, and appealed to all to acknowledge Christ: "I am a servant of Christ, my God, and trusting in Him, I have come among you voluntarily, to bear witness concerning the Truth."

Troparion:

You fought the good fight with faith, O George, martyr of Christ. You convicted the tyrants of their wickedness. You offered yourself as an acceptable sacrifice to God. Therefore, you received a crown of victory, and through your prayers, O holy one, you obtain forgiveness of sins for all.   

Kontakion:

Cultivated by God, you became an excellent gardener of religion, harvesting sheaves of virtues for yourself. You sowed in tears but reaped in joy.  You fought to the shedding of your blood, and through your prayers, O holy one, you obtain forgiveness of sins for all.