GOC marks St. George Day

10:31, 06.05.2023

Georgian Orthodox Church marks Saint George Day on May 6. Festive 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.

In 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 on 23 April 303. A witness of his suffering convinced Empress Alexandra of Rome to become a Christian as well, so she joined George in martyrdom. 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.

By - Elene Dobordjginidze

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Saint George Day