Saint George of Mytilene

Saint George of Mytilene (born c. 776, died April 7, 820 or 821) was a hermit, Bishop of Mytilene, and a saint in the Catholic Church. He was born in Asia to a wealthy and religious family. At the age of seventeen, he distributed his wealth to the needy and entered a monastery. Two years later, he fled to the island of Lesbos, where he lived a hermit's life. In 804, he was elected Bishop of Mytilene. In 813, he moved to Constantinople. He defended the veneration of icons, which led to his exile. He was subjected to flogging, after which he returned to a life of seclusion. His liturgical memorial is celebrated on the anniversary of his death.