St. Georg's old church on Lake Constance: Help needed for preservation!

St. Georg's old church on Lake Constance: Help needed for preservation!

On June 15, 2025, the patron saint of scouts, Saint George, will be celebrated in many parts of the world. George is considered a martyr and has his origins in the region of what is now Türkiye. But what makes him so special? Legend has it that he defeated a dragon, but how historically proven is this story really? However, the dragon fight and the subsequent liberation of a king's daughter are only part of the fascinating stories that surround his name. These persist stubbornly in people's minds, even if many of them are not based on historical facts.

In the town of Wasserburg on Lake Constance there is a church that was built in the 8th century in honor of St. George. At that time, a lot of hope was placed on his protective stance. But the years have not left their mark on venerable buildings: the church has suffered from the weather conditions and urgently needs repairs. Unfortunately, there is a lack of financial resources to carry out the necessary maintenance work. The community therefore relies on donations made via the website donate.kirche-am-see.de be collected.

The meaning of St. George

Veneration of St. George is deeply rooted in Christian tradition, and he is honored by many bishops. Churches around the world bear his name, and his memory is perpetuated in many cultures. The Boy Scouts, for whom Georg is the patron, have the goal of doing a good deed every day.

In the legends surrounding George there are often reports of a dragon that threatened the city of Lasia. According to these stories, the monster demanded animal sacrifices daily, and when supplies ran low, the dragon eventually demanded human sacrifices. George, who heard about this misfortune, offered to help and promised the citizens an unusual deal: if he defeated the dragon, they would be baptized and convert to Christianity.

The path to martyrdom

Before George went down in history, he lived with his mother in Palestine after his father died. He joined the Roman army and served as a horseman. At a time when the Roman Empire was under attack from many sides, Emperor Diocletian ordered the persecution of Christians. George, known for his unshakable faith, opposed the persecution and warned of the consequences. This fortitude eventually led to his brutal torture and martyrdom.

After George's death, Christianity began to gain increasing influence in the Roman Empire, especially when Constantine made the religion the religion of the empire. This happened not least thanks to the heroic deeds and sacrifice of George, whose memory is preserved by believers to this day.

In a broader Christian context, there is the fascinating legend of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus, who were buried alive and brought back to life by God 200 years later. This story illustrates how the mystery of faith and conviction can remain alive among believers over the centuries. The legend and the associated traditions are anchored in many cultures and show that the phenomenon of faith has universal features.

During this festive season in June, it is important to remember the ideals and actions of such historical figures as St. George, who remind us of the power of faith and community. So let's show our support and donate to preserve these historic sites and traditions.