Features and Traditions of St. Andrew's Day in Georgia on May 12th.
What holiday is celebrated in Georgia on May 12th and why is this day called St. Andrew's Day, read in the Madloba catalog. Find out now what traditions and customs Georgians observe on this holiday, as well as the history of this memorable day.
Two thousand years ago, a simple sailor from Bethsaida witnessed the miracles of Jesus Christ. What does this event have to do with the formation of Christianity in Georgia and what significance the name of this sailor now bears for Georgians, find out from this article!
The Story of Andrew the First-Called
One of the first to follow Christ was Andrew of Bethsaida. A simple sailor who saw divine miracles firsthand and believed in God. He received a blessing and went with prophecies to convert the Black Sea coast to Christianity.
So, already at the beginning of the I century AD, on the territory of modern Georgia, Andrew, who was nicknamed the First-Called, told people about God and religion. At that time, the residents did not respond much to his ideas, so Christianity did not become widespread. It was only with the arrival of Saint Nino, centuries later, that Georgia fully accepted Christianity as the state religion.
However, the name of Andrew the First-Called has remained forever in the memory of Georgians. It is associated with the erection of the first temple in the country, the establishment of the concepts of priests and deacons.
In 2002, the Government of the country declared May 12 the Day of St. Andrew the First-Called's Arrival in Georgia, and made it an official day off.
Georgian traditions for St. Andrew's Day
On May 12, believers head to Lurji Monasteri or the Blue Monastery of Tbilisi. Prayers and divine services, of course, take place in all churches of the country, but the main events are still held here, in the temple, which was erected by Andrew the First-Called himself.
Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia Ilia II celebrates the solemn liturgy in the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, and parishioners offer prayers in honor of St. Andrew. Many make pilgrimages to the monastery of the Most Holy Theotokos, where the relics of the Saint are kept.
Statue and waterfall of St. Andrew on the way to Sarpi
You can easily find out how Georgians celebrate other religious or secular holidays on the pages of the Madloba catalog.
It contains all the information about life in Georgia, its traditions and national peculiarities, as well as useful reviews for tourists and migrants.
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