Each spring, Romania awakens to the scent of blossoming trees, the hum of bees, and the echoes of ancient traditions that mark the season’s arrival. Among the most cherished is the celebration of Sfântul Mare Mucenic Gheorghe (Saint George the Great Martyr) honored on April 23 by those who follow the New Calendar. Known for his martyrdom and the mythical battle with the dragon, Saint George embodies courage, rebirth, and the triumph of good over evil, an apt symbol for spring itself.
This year, I am observing both expressions of this beloved holiday: first on April 23, the official celebration recognized across much of Romania, and then again on May 6, when Orthodox communities that follow the Old Calendar will mark it with reverence and festivity. I will be in the village of Sfântu Gheorghe on that day, fittingly, a place that bears the saint’s name and where his feast is the highlight of the year. In this first blog, I invite you to explore the roots and traditions of Saint George’s Day as celebrated today, and I will return with stories from the May 6 celebration that connects history, faith, and community in a truly special way.
Who Was Saint George?
Saint George is one of the most venerated saints in both Eastern and Western Christianity. Believed to have been a Roman soldier of Cappadocian Greek origin, he was martyred during the reign of Emperor Diocletian in the early 4th century. His refusal to renounce his Christian faith made him a symbol of resistance, and his legacy spread quickly across Christian lands.
But it is the legendary tale of Saint George and the dragon that most captures the imagination. In this story, George slays a dragon that has been terrorizing a city, saving a princess and converting its pagan citizens to Christianity. The image of the mounted warrior defeating the beast became iconic, a timeless metaphor for moral victory over adversity.
Sfântul Gheorghe in Romanian Tradition
In Romania, April 23 is a vibrant feast day, rooted in both Orthodox faith and folk tradition. The saint’s name day is celebrated widely: Gheorghe, Georgiana, Gelu, Geta, and other variations are honored, and it is customary to offer well-wishes and small gifts to those bearing these names.
Beyond the religious observances, Saint George is deeply tied to agricultural and seasonal rhythms. In rural communities, this day historically marked the beginning of the pastoral year. Shepherds would drive their flocks to summer pastures, and villagers would protect their homes and livestock from evil spirits by adorning gates and barns with fresh green branches, often from beech or willow trees. These “ramuri verzi” symbolized nature’s return to life, echoing Saint George’s role as a bringer of protection and renewal.
Some households would place a green branch under the pillow on the night before the holiday, believing it would bring good health and luck. Others would sprinkle holy water on fields and animals, invoking Saint George’s blessing for abundance and safety.
The Calendar Divide: April 23 and May 6
While April 23 is the official feast in the Gregorian (New) Calendar followed by the Romanian Orthodox Church, many communities in Moldova, Ukraine, and certain parts of Romania, such as the Danube Delta, observe the Old Calendar (Julian), which places the feast thirteen days later, on May 6. These Old Calendar Orthodox communities continue to follow the traditional liturgical rhythm, preserving a sense of continuity with earlier generations.
For these communities, the celebration of Saint George is a religious event and a cornerstone of identity. The village of Sfântu Gheorghe, where I will be on May 6, is a vivid example of this enduring reverence. There, Saint George is more than a symbol: he is the patron, protector, and spiritual heartbeat of the village.
Looking Ahead to May 6 in Sfântu Gheorghe
May 6 is the most anticipated day of the year in Sfântu Gheorghe. Inhabitants and returning family members gather to honor their patron saint with church services, music, traditional foods, and festivities that extend well into the night. I am honored to be able to attend this celebration and experience firsthand how an old tradition continues to thrive in a modern world.
In my next blog, I will take you there, with photos, observations, and reflections on what it means to celebrate Sfântul Gheorghe in a place where the holiday is not only preserved but lived.
Closing Thoughts
Saint George, in his dual role as historical martyr and mythical protector, invites us to reflect on courage, renewal, and community. Whether on April 23 or May 6, his legacy continues to unite Romanians across generations and geographies. In celebrating him, we honor both our past and the values that carry us forward.
La mulți ani tuturor celor care poartă numele Sfântului Gheorghe!
References
Asociația Macedonenilor din România. “Sfântul Mare Mucenic Gheorghe, Sărbătorit de Creștinii Ortodocși de Stil Vechi pe 6 Mai.” Accessed April 20, 2025. https://asociatia-macedonenilor.ro/index.php/2021/05/06/sfantul-mare-mucenic-gheorghe-sarbatorit-de-crestinii-ortodocsi-de-stil-vechi-pe-6-mai/
Noi.md. “Creștinii Ortodocși de Stil Vechi Îl Sărbătoresc pe Sfîntul Gheorghe.” Accessed April 20, 2025. https://noi.md/md/societate/crestinii-ortodocsi-de-stil-vechi-il-sarbatoresc-pe-sfintul-gheorghe-361644
Libertatea. “Cine a Fost Sfântul Gheorghe. Ce Nume se Sărbătoresc de Sf. Gheorghe.” Accessed April 20, 2025. https://www.libertatea.ro/lifestyle/cine-a-fost-sfantul-gheorghe-ce-nume-se-sarbatoresc-de-sf-gheorghe-2963825/amp
Wikipedia contributors. “Sfântul Gheorghe.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Accessed April 20, 2025. https://ro.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sf%C3%A2ntul_Gheorghe