Given the restrictions imposed in the country due to the coronavirus pandemic, worshippers both in the temple and in the surrounding area must wear masks and maintain a social distance.

In Georgia, on November 23, St. George's day or "Giorgoba" is celebrated – one of the most revered religious holidays in the country.

Festive services dedicated to "Giorgoba" or St. George's Day will traditionally be held in all active churches in Georgia. However, given the restrictions imposed in the country due to the coronavirus pandemic, worshippers both in the temple and in the surrounding area must wear masks and maintain a social distance.

"Giorgoba" in Georgia is a public holiday and an official day off. In Georgia, St. George's Day or" giorgob " is celebrated twice: on November 23 and may 6.

Heavenly patron

In Georgia, George the victorious is the most revered of the Saints, the heavenly patron of the country. Veneration of the Saint in Georgia began at the dawn of Christianity.

According to legend, St. Giorgoba founded by the enlightener of Georgia – St. Nino. The Baptist of Georgia, according to Arseny Ikaltoeli, the spiritual father and teacher of king David Agmashenebeli (the Builder), was a cousin of George the victorious. It was from the equal-to-the-apostles Nino that Georgia learned about the life and martyrdom of Saint George, whom she especially revered and bequeathed to the country that she converted to Christianity to love him.

The first Church in honour of Saint George was built in Georgia in 335 by king Mirian, on the site of the burial of Saint Nino.

The construction of churches in honour of St. George, which were especially revered among the people, became widespread from the IX century-chapels were built not only in cities and villages, but also on the tops of mountains.

Saint George is considered the patron Saint of warriors, farmers, shepherds and travellers. They also pray to him for deliverance from demonic forces. Since ancient times, the name George has been one of the most common in Georgia. It was also the dynastic name of the Georgian rulers, since it was believed that the king, who enjoyed the heavenly patronage of St. George, would not know defeat in anything.

George the victorious-the rider who strikes the serpent, became an integral part of the Georgian consciousness and Orthodox faith. It is also depicted on the state coat of arms of Georgia.

Saint George was named victorious for his courage and spiritual victory over the executioners and for his miraculous help to people in danger.

On November 23, according to the new style, Saint George was subjected to the wheelhouse, a torture that was as cruel as crucifixion, and on may 6, 303, his head was cut off.

Sputnik-georgia.ru