FÊTE DE SAINT GEORGES
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On this day, we celebrate St. George of Lydda, the patron saint of Georgia. It is one of the most celebrated and popular events.
As you might have guessed, the Feast of St. George - a national holiday and bank holiday - dedicated to the protector of the country, is one of the most celebrated and popular events in Georgia. The Orthodox Church organizes festive services in all churches in the country, and in monasteries in particular. Born around the years 275-280, George of Lydda, a former tribune and then Roman prefect, is said to have later embraced the Christian faith, protecting Christians and initiating conversions before having his head cut off by Diocletian in 303. His representation in the form of a knight slaying a dragon is an allegory of good over evil and of the Christian faith over the devil.
On the feast of St. George, the beautiful cathedral of Mtskheta, in the vicinity of Tbilisi, is the home of the Catholicos-Patriarch Elijah II. Tradition has it that St. Nino instituted the feast. She is the illuminator of Georgia, related to the saint. The image of St. George the Victorious is depicted on the flag.
In the Middle Ages, 365 places of worship were dedicated to him, spread all over the country for each day of the year. Throughout history, his fame made him the patron saint of Christian chivalry, gunsmiths and, from around 800, of England. From the beginning of Christianity, St. George was venerated and his cult continues to this day.