The Georgian Orthodox Church (GOC) celebrates Saint George’s Day on May 6. Festive church services will be conducted at acting churches throughout the country.

Saint George is regarded with special reverence among the Georgian people as he is believed to be the protector and patron of the nation.

According to the Greek tradition, George was born to Greek Christian parents in Cappadocia. After his father died, his mother, who was originally from Lydda, in Syria Palaestina, returned with George to her hometown. He went on to become a soldier for the Roman army, but, because of his Christian faith, he was arrested and tortured.

Saint George was executed at the age of 30 by decapitation in 303. His body was buried in Lydda, where Christians soon came to honour him as a martyr.

Georgian Orthodox Church marks St. George Day twice a year: On November 23, when he was tortured and on May 6, when he died.