GEORGE, Arian bishop of ALEXANDRIA. — A native of Cappadocia, he was covetous and avaricious and had led a turbulent life. Elected bishop by an Arian synod at Antioch, in February 357 he was intruded into Alexandria after St Athanasius had been forced to flee.
A follower of pure Arianism, he subjected Catholics to unprecedented persecutions and violence, exiling bishops, condemning priests to the mines, and maltreating the faithful in every way. In August 358 the exasperated people rose against him and George was forced to take refuge with the Emperor Constantius. He took part in the Council of Seleucia in 359, after which he returned to Alexandria. In December 361 a riot of pagans, who together with the Catholics had experienced his oppressions, made him prisoner and shortly afterwards put him to death (24 December).