Giorgoba (Szent György napja)

St. George is depicted on Georgia’s Coat of Arms

Giorgoba is a holiday held in adoration and respect of St. George, the patron saint of Georgia. Georgians celebrate both on May 6 (the accepted anniversary of St. George’s death according to the Julian calendar; it would be April 23 on the Gregorian calendar) and on Nov. 23.

Schools and universities are closed on Giorgoba, and many Georgians go to church to commemorate the saint, known for his bravery. St. George was the “Savior of Georgians”, here is his brief story:

St. George lived in the fourth century. His father was from Cappadocia, and his mother was from Palestine. He was a commander of Emperor Diocletian‘s army, but he opposed the emperor because he was persecuting Christians. Because of this opposition, St. George was tortured and beheaded.

Although the country of Georgia is not named after St. George, devotions to him there date back to the fourth century. He is on the emblem of Georgia’s Coat of Arms, and there are 365 Orthodox churches in Georgia named after him, one for each day of the year. (http://nacelayp.com/2010/11/23/giorgoba-georgia/)