St. George the Special Protector of Georgia
Today (November 23) is a national holiday in Georgia.
It’s Giorgoba or St. George’s Day which Georgians actually celebrate twice during the year with May 6 being the other holiday.
Saint George is held in the highest regard throughout the country as its protector and the patron saint of shepherds and travelers. He is even said to have fought alongside Georgian soldiers throughout its history.
Not surprisingly, George or Giorgi is among the most common Georgian names, including our friend and tea master, George (Giorgi) Bitadze.
A statue of St. George sits in the middle of Liberty Square in Tbilisi, which is just down the street from the Tea Museum and Shop, operated by George and his father, Shota.
St. George was a soldier in the Roman army in what is now modern-day Israel. In the year 303, Emperor Diocletian issued an order that every Christian soldier be arrested and all other soldiers should offer a sacrifice to the Roman gods. George renounced the edict and publicly declared himself to be a Christian.
Diocletian tried to convince George to sacrifice to the Roman gods, but he refused. The Emperor had George tortured then ordered him to be executed for his disobedience. His torture included laceration on a wheel of swords during which he was revived three times. George was eventually beheaded.
Tradition holds this holiday was established by St. Nino, the Enlightener of Georgia (and a relative of St. George), who told Georgians of his bravely and martyrdom.
So, whether you’re traveling to visit loved ones or at home preparing for your Thanksgiving festivities, please join us at some point today to sit and relax with a cup of Georgian tea in honor of St. George, the Special Protector of Georgia.
Gaumarjos! (To All the Victory!)