Saint George lived in Capadocia in the 3rd – 4th centuries. As the legend has it, a brave and talented commander from a noble family was executed for being a Christian in 303. The first image of the Martyr was found on one of the forty Macedonian ceramic icons of the 4th – 6th centuries. In early Christianity, a serpent (or dragon) was considered as a symbol of treachery, ferocity and malice.

However, when the time had come to sacrifice his own daughter Elisava, the ruler regretted his decision and tried to bribe the way out of the situation. But it was still decided to give the girl to the serpent as the next offering. Then St. George appeared before the princess and defeated the dragon.

As the Saint commanded Elisava tied the dragon with a belt and took it to the city. Right in front of the frightened people, George cut the serpent’s head off with a sword. After that, he converted the people to Christianity. The king gratefully prayed to God and called by the Saint Bishop Alexander baptized forty thousand people in 15 days. Afterwards, a healing ailments source appeared from under the earth. King Selevin built a church in honour of St. George, whereas the princess devoted herself to God.