The Orthodox Christians in Moldova mark today the Day of Saint George, who is one of the most venerated saints, Info-Prim Neo reports. Saint George was, according to tradition, a Roman soldier in the Guard of Diocletian, who is venerated as a Christian martyr. He is immortalized in the tale of Saint George and the Dragon and is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. It is likely that Saint George was born to a Christian noble family in Cappadocia, in what is now Turkey, in the year 280 AD. He enlisted into the Cavalry of the Roman Army at the age of 17, during the reign of the Emperor Diocletian and very quickly established a reputation amongst his peers, for his virtuous behavior and physical strength. He quickly achieved the rank of Millenary or Tribunus Militum, an officer's rank roughly equivalent to a full Colonel. Diocletian took strict action against any alternative forms of religion in general and the Christian faith in particular. He achieved the reputation of being perhaps the cruelest persecutor of Christians at that time. Many Christians feared to be loyal to their God, but, having become a convert to Christianity, St George acted to limit the excesses of Diocletian's actions against the Christians. The Emperor consigned St George to prison with instructions that he be tortured until he denied his faith in Christ. St George, having defended his faith, was beheaded at Nicomedia near Lyddia in Palestine in the year 303 AD. Before the execution George gave his wealth to the poor and prepared himself. The brave soldier’s love for Jesus Christ impressed Queen Alexandra, who accepted Christianity and was also beheaded. The story is a powerful allegory, emblematic of the triumph of good over evil, but it also teaches of enduring Christian faith in the extreme and the trust that at all times should be placed in the Almighty by the invocation of the name of St George, Soldier, Saint and Martyr.