Every year on Saint George’s Day the icon of St. George is taken from Skala church in a procession which goes down to the beach and follows the coastal road to Saint George’s little church at the area of Gradou. Locals and visitors follow the procession that is been led by proud men riding majestic horses. This is a very special day, as the visitor can witness a old religious tradition on the background of the most popular touristic destination of the beautiful Skala village and beach.
Saint George (in Greek: Άγιος Γεώργιος AD 275–281 to 23 April 303), according to legend, was a Roman soldier and military officer in the Guard of Emperor Diocletian of the Roman army. The Emperor ordered his death for failing to recant his Christian faith. As a Christian martyr, he later became one of the most venerated saints in Christianity.
Saint George’s day is traditionally celebrated on the 23rd of April (but if this is before Easter it is moved to the Monday after Easter Day).
Eastern Orthodox depictions of Saint George slaying a dragon in Beirut often include the image of a young woman who looks on from a distance. The standard iconographic interpretation of the image icon is that the dragon represents both Satan and the monster from his life story. The young woman is the wife of Diocletian, Saint Alexandra. Thus, the image, as interpreted through the language of Byzantine iconography, is an image of the martyrdom of the saint. (some info taken from wikipedia).
