Why is Georgia called the Lot of the Virgin Mary?
The legend of the apostles' lots and St Nino's mission.
Short answer
According to church tradition, after Christ's Ascension the apostles cast lots to decide where each would preach, and Georgia, ancient Iberia, fell to the Virgin Mary. Unable to go herself, she is said to have later blessed St Nino for this mission, giving her a cross made of grapevine. That is why Georgians call their country the Lot of the Mother of God.
Why
- St Nino's grapevine cross is kept at Sioni Cathedral in Tbilisi.
- The Virgin is especially revered in Georgia, and many churches are dedicated to her.
- The Dormition, Mariamoba, on 28 August is a public holiday.
Details
Guides in Mtskheta and at Sioni often tell this story. In churches, follow the dress code: shoulders and knees covered, and a headscarf for women.
Tip
Guides in Mtskheta tell this legend well; combine it with a visit to Svetitskhoveli.
What may differ
The legend is told slightly differently, but the core is the same: Georgia fell to the Virgin by lot.
People also ask
- Why is Georgia the Lot of the Virgin Mary?
Sources
- Georgian Orthodox ChurchChecked at:
This answer retells church tradition.
St NinoRelated questions
-
Where is Sioni Cathedral, and what is it known for?
The main Sioni Cathedral stands in Old Tbilisi on Sioni Street near the Kura embankment and is dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin.
-
When did Georgians adopt Christianity, and did they ever change faith?
Christianity became the state religion of the Georgian kingdom of Kartli in the first half of the 4th century, usually dated to 326 or 337, when St Nino converted King Mirian III.
-
Where are the relics of St Nino in Georgia?
St Nino is buried at Bodbe Monastery in Kakheti, about 2 kilometres from Sighnaghi; her tomb is inside the monastery church.
-
What is the Georgian cross, and who converted Georgia to Christianity?
Georgia was converted by St Nino, a preacher from Cappadocia, who brought King Mirian III to Christianity in the 4th century.