What is the Georgian cross, and who converted Georgia to Christianity?
St Nino's grapevine cross and the conversion of King Mirian.
Short answer
Georgia was converted by St Nino, a preacher from Cappadocia, who brought King Mirian III to Christianity in the 4th century. The symbol of the Georgian Church is St Nino's grapevine cross, with slightly drooping arms. Georgians cross themselves in the Orthodox way, with three fingers, from right to left.
Why
- Tradition holds that Nino tied the grapevine cross together with her own hair.
- Christianity became the state religion of the Kingdom of Kartli in the first half of the 4th century, usually dated to 326 or 337.
- St Nino's cross is kept in Sioni Cathedral in Tbilisi.
Details
St Nino is buried at Bodbe Monastery in Kakheti, one of Georgia's holiest sites. Her feast days are 27 January and 1 June.
Tip
St Nino's cross can be seen at Sioni Cathedral in Tbilisi.
Common misconception
St Nino's cross is the same as an ordinary Orthodox cross.
What actually happens
Its arms droop slightly, and legend says it was made of grapevine.
People also ask
- Who brought Christianity to Georgia?
Sources
Information checked on October 3, 2026.
St NinoRelated questions
-
The Greek Church of Saint Nicholas in Batumi: what kind of church is it?
The Greek Church of Saint Nicholas in Batumi is a cross-domed cathedral opposite the Batumi piazza, built in 1865 with funds from the city's Greek community.
-
Where is the Catholic church in Batumi?
Batumi Catholic Church, also called the Church of the Holy Spirit, stands on Gogebashvili Street between the city centre and the port.
-
Is there a Catholic church in Tbilisi and where is it?
Tbilisi has two Catholic churches: Saints Peter and Paul near Marjanishvili metro at 55 Javakhishvili Street, and the Church of the Ascension of the Virgin Mary.
-
Timotesubani Monastery: where is it and what is it known for?
Timotesubani Monastery is in the village of the same name in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, and it was built by Shalva Akhaltsikheli, ruler of the historical Tori province.