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
- According to tradition, 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.
People also ask
- Who brought Christianity to Georgia?
Sources
Information checked on October 3, 2026.
St NinoRelated questions
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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.
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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.
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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.
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What is the religion of Georgia?
Most people in Georgia are Orthodox Christians of the Georgian Orthodox Church, about 83 percent according to the 2014 census.