Georgia marks Saint George’s Day

The Georgian Orthodox Church marks Saint George’s Day today, commemorating the martyrdom of Saint George the Great Martyr, one of the most revered saints in Christianity and the patron saint of Georgia.

According to Church tradition, Saint George was born in Cappadocia in the second half of the third century into a wealthy Christian family. During the reign of Roman Emperor Diocletian, he became a military commander in the Roman army.

Tradition says Saint George refused orders to renounce Christianity after the persecution of Christians began under Diocletian’s rule. He was subjected to multiple forms of torture, including being bound to a wheel, before being executed by beheading in 303 AD at the age of 30.

Saint George is remembered in Christian history as a victorious and unconquered heavenly warrior. He is also recognised as the patron saint of several countries, including England and Ethiopia.

The Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates Saint George twice each year - on 6 May, marking his martyrdom, and on 23 November, commemorating his torture on the wheel.