‘The Martyrdom and Miracles of Saint George of Cappadocia’ derives from two separate Coptic texts, both of which were translated by E.A. Wallis Budge. Budge was an Egyptologist who worked for the British Museum, and went to great efforts to make them available. We are offering them to you for educational purposes, as ‘Saint George’ is a glance into early Christian culture, wherein martyrdom was described in gory detail and saints are praised with feast days and churches, and probably a culture shock for most. As one of the earliest purported texts, there are many gems to be discovered here, including the identity of the dragon slain and the lady whom George saved. Saint George is repeatedly compared to Elijah and John the Baptist, most likely a coded message. It’s certainly interesting since many ancient Christian cultures believe Saint George to be one or the other, Elijah or John, or both. The Sabbath day is also put in a favorable light, as if it was the expected norm, which makes mentions of Constantine all that more interesting.
The book cover is sold in two variants. The paperback version is orange, the hardcover is gray.
SPOILER WARNING: Here is a fascinating passage that derives from the end of the second book.
“And when he had said ‘Amen’, the whole firmament was filled with the angels of the Highest, and our Lord Iēsous Christós came to him seated upon the Cherubim and Seraphim, and the company of the Prophets and the Apostles, and the martyrs, and all the saints, and all the hosts of heaven were praising Him; and all the soldiers who were with the blessed man slept, and became as dead men.”