George, this truly great and glorious Martyr of Christ, was born of a father from Cappadocia and a mother from Palestine. Being a military tribune, or chiliarch (that is, a commander of a thousand troops), he was illustrious in battle and highly honored for his courage. When he learned that the Emperor Diocletian was preparing a persecution of the Christians, Saint George presented himself publicly before the Emperor and denounced him. When threats and promises could not move him from his steadfast confession, he was put to unheard-of tortures, which he endured with great bravery, overcoming them by his faith and love towards Christ. By the wondrous signs that took place in his contest, he guided many to the knowledge of the truth.

His sacred remains were taken by his servant from Nicomedia to Palestine, the town of Lydda, the homeland of his mother, and were transferred to the church which was raised up in his name.

The icon of Saint George depicts the Great Saint riding a large, white horse, which symbolizes both strength and purity - the power and perfection of the Christian faith itself. In slaying the dragon, a symbol from the devil, St. George is able to save the virgin princess, the Church, from the devil's clutches.

The Vicariate for the Palestinian & Jordanian Orthodox Communities in America

After a long process that began in 1993 related to the ecclesiastical status of Church communities connected with the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, there was a final decision by the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Both Patriarchates agreed that the canonical and pastoral supervision of these communities & their clergy would belong to the canonically established jurisdiction of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The process continued through 2009, when the creation of the "Vicariate for Palestinian/Jordanian Christian Orthodox Communities in the USA was established.

Despite its designation as a Vicariate for Palestinian/Jordanian Christian Orthodox Communities, the Vicariate actually serves a wide range of parishioners, including, but not limited to, Americans, Greeks, Russians, Eritreans, Egyptians, Jordanians, Lebanese, Palestinians, Syrians and many others who all subscribe to the canons established by Jesus Christ & his Apostles almost 2,000 years ago.

The Vicariate follows the Old Julian Church Calendar and traditions set by the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. We welcome all to visit our parish and experience history, spirituality and traditions dating back to the Apostles.