One of the most enduring of the saints, Saint George has seldom failed to capture the imagination of Christian readers, both ancient and modern. The Acts of Saint George, originally written in Greek, quickly spread to many linguistic traditions in the church of late antiquity. The earliest complete document of this hagiography is in Syriac. Presented here in vocalized Syriac and Arabic, the original text of the Acts of Saint George is made easily accessible to readers of these languages. Unlike earlier editions, Kiraz presents the text in West Syriac rather than East Syriac script. The Arabic text is in Garshuni, Arabic written with Syriac letters. An informative, detailed introduction in English summarizes the hagiography for those unacquainted with the Semitic languages. Those expecting the dragon of later tradition may be surprised to find the Syriac reflecting the original “asp-serpent” used to describe king Dadianus. The account of Saint George follows the hagiographic practice of describing the trials, steadfast faith, and martyrdom of the saint. Also included is the story of the father of Saint George, recorded in Syriac.

George A. Kiraz is the founder and director of Beth Mardutho: The Syriac Institute, and the president of Gorgias Press. He earned an MSt in Syriac Studies from Oxford University, and an MPhil and PhD from Cambridge University. He has an extensive list of publications in Syriac studies.