Purpose Edition
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (1)
St George's Day. St Georges Day... I mean I do not know where to start. I am in love. Yes Eden Cupcake Floristry is so going to celebrate the brave, heroic martyr of English Pride and Heritage. So who was St George? And why is this National Holiday not marked by the widespread public festivities or uniformed national expression of identity and culture as observed amongst the other Patron's of the United Kingdom. The Irish St Patrick and the Scottish St David. Well there is a lot of history behind that but we can focus first how in love we are at Eden Cupcake Floristry with this brave knight who was actually a brave Roman soldier of the Roman era in the 4th century a Martyr for his Christian faith during the persecution initiated by the Emperor Diocletian (2).
As April marks the passover season of the year 2026. Symbolic of The Cross and the victory that Jesus won over religious persecution simply by forgiving His persecutors; showing us the Way, the Truth and the Life. Yes the Cross. The Red Cross. The Cross of English Pride. The Cross of St George. The Cross of the celebration of deep Cultural and National Diversity. Cultural and National Diversity that prides itself in the virtue of the actions and intentions of an individual rather than the place of birth. Symbols of St George and the Red Cross are still proudly flown by the English national football team as a rally point for unity, passion and belonging even though the story behind it is not fully remembered..
St George and his origins stand as a paradoxical element of English identity as he was not an English man by birth. However being born in Turkey or Greece; St George was chosen as the Patron Saint across Europe including here in England. In choosing St George as the nation's Patron, England opened its heart and arms not to the familiar of its own kinsmen and nationals. Rather it chose virtue; courage over comfort and conviction over conformity. Reflecting a moment in English Heritage where the values of an individual were more important and considered more than the boundaries of nationality. Laying upon the foundation of English heritage a memorial for society to not be shaped simply upon the lineage of its people, but upon the character and the intentions. In this way the English Heritage reflected the strength drawn from diversity that would build and form a unified moral identity at its core and roots of its people.
St George indeed typified our Promised Seed the Lord Jesus and many other Saints and Patron's who bravely stood their ground for what was right and paid with their lives in order to hold fast all that was True and virtuous. Leaving a memorial for them like our Garden whispers of lessons and values to pass down and remind each generation across the sands of time.
Like St George and indeed before him; the Lord Jesus after being crucified and killed by religious persecutions. Through the resurrection, paved the path so that the good news of Salvation, redemption and reconciliation to God, would now not only be restricted to the traditional Jews, the biological seeds of Abraham but to all the earth who through Jesus would form children of Abraham by Faith. The faith and courage that made Abraham once an idolator (3) found and chosen by God to leave behind everything in order to follow Gods calling.
The Lord Jesus after the witness of His death and resurrection also like St George would now be welcomed in many nations and tongues who would embrace the brave, selfless actions of the Son of God through whom would come the reconciliation to God and the eternal Salvation of the soul.
For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. (4)
So what made St George so special? What's the story behind the man and the dragon? Was there really a dragon? Well the Echoes of Eden often describes the serpent, Satan as this Dragon... So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him (5). So we almost come to understand that like the Lord Jesus, St Georges fierce battle was actually against the forces of evil in his time conveyed and left metaphorically and symbolically like the book of Revelations in the form and imagery off a great Dragon. Slain not by the physical strength of a sword and armer but like the Lord Jesus the defenceless power of faith and righteousness
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the Whole Armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with Truth, having put on the breastplate of Righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the Shield of Faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints (6)
Yes St George wrestling with dragons was simply a demonstration of the bravery and courage it takes to stand up against the moral decay of time throughout generations. Typifying the cost but also the reward both for oneself, the present society and generations to come. As it happened to many in the past who changed history impacting their communities and others when like St George and the Resurrected Son of God faced Dragons through character, faith and determination to do what was right.
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