FÊTE DE SAINT GEORGES

As you might have guessed, St. George's Day - a national holiday dedicated to the country's patron saint - is one of the most celebrated and popular events in Georgia. The Orthodox Church organizes festive services in all the country's churches, and in monasteries in particular. Born around 275-280, George of Lydda, a former Roman tribune and prefect, is said to have later embraced the Christian faith, protecting Christians and initiating conversions before having his head chopped off by Diocletian in 303. His depiction as a knight slaying a dragon is an allegory of the victory of good over evil, of the Christian faith over the devil.

On St. George's Day, the superb cathedral of Mtskheta, near Tbilisi, welcomes the catholicos-patriarch Elijah II. Tradition has it that it was Saint Nino who instituted the festival. She is the illuminatrix of Georgia, related to the saint. The image of St. George the Victorious is featured on the flag.

In the Middle Ages, 365 places of worship were dedicated to him, spread throughout the country for each day of the year. This explains why there are so many St. George (St. Giorgi) churches in Georgia! Throughout history, his fame made him the patron saint of Christian chivalry, armourers and, from around 800 onwards, of England. From the earliest days of Christianity, St. George was venerated, and his cult continues to this day.