A friend asked me when the next food distribution was at the “Dragon Slayer” Church.
It took me a moment to realize he was talking about Grace Fellowship Baptist Church, which is the location of one of MANNA Feeding America’s monthly sites.
In front of the sanctuary – next to Tapoco Road – is a sign that reads, “Dragonslayers Welcome Here,” with an invitation to the worship services (Sunday’s, 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.) Locals and driving enthusiasts know the invitation is in reference to the motorcyclists who conquer the “Tail of the Dragon” stretch of U.S. 129.
Yet, “dragon slayer” is also a reference to one of the most popular saints of the Christian Church, Saint George.
George – who passed away in A.D. 303 – came from a Christian home, was a soldier with the elite Praetorian Guard, who protected the Roman emperor and high-ranking officials. The legend goes one day while on a journey, he happened upon a ghastly sight. A young maiden had been left as a sacrifice to an evil dragon. The dragon had been terrorizing a kingdom. It demanded sheep be given to it and then required a young maiden as a sacrifice or it would destroy everyone.
What was the kingdom to do?
It was decided the maiden was to be chosen by lottery. When all the maidens drew lots, the lot fell on the princess. The king was heartbroken and offered all his wealth to the people if his daughter was spared. The people refused and the princess was led to her doom.
It is then St. George appeared on the scene and seeing both the damsel-in-distress and the dragon, demanded it not harm the princess and leave the people alone. The dragon refused and a great battle ensued. St. George rushed forward on his steed and slayed the dragon with his lance, saved the princess and the kingdom.
The king was so grateful he offered his wealth to George, who refused and instead saw it was given to those in need. The people were so grateful when they learned George was a Christian, they all gave their hearts to Christ and were baptized. Later, during a great persecution in Rome, George refused to recant his faith in Christ and was martyred.
When the crusaders traveled to the Middle East and heard the story of St. George, the soldier saint, they were so impressed with his exploits that he became their patron saint. Soon, St. George’s cross – a red cross on a field of white – became incorporated on shields, coats of arms and in the flag of many nations. The legend of St. George became a favorite middle age story of chivalry and was celebrated in much art and literature. The defeat of the dragon became a symbol of the Christian victory of good over evil.
Jesus Christ defeated the dragons of sin and death so we could be saved and have life everlasting. Today, there are other dragons to be defeated. The dragon of COVID-19 and any dragon which represents the evils of this world.
With God’s help, our prayers and actions, evil can be defeated. Just like St. George, we can all be dragon slayers and stay true to our faith in Christ.
Eric Reece is the faith columnist for The Graham Star. He is the pastor of Robbinsville United Methodist Church.