Celebrated by the whole Christian world, Great-martyr George was slain
by Emperor Diocletian in the year 303.
The holy martyr
is appropriately considered the intercessor for all Christians and the patron saint of many. He is regarded with special reverence
among the Georgian people, since he is believed to be the special protector of their nation. Historical accounts often describe
how Saint George appeared among the Georgian soldiers in the midst of battles.
The majority of Georgian churches (in villages especially) were built in his honor and, as a result,
every day there is a feast of the great-martyr George somewhere in Georgia. The various daily commemorations are connected
to one of the churches erected in his name or an icon or a particular miracle he performed.
November 10 marks the day on which Saint George was tortured on the wheel. According to
tradition, this day of commemoration was established by the holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Nino, the Enlightener of Georgia. Saint
Nino was a relative of Saint George the Trophy-bearer.
She revered him deeply and directed the people she had converted to Christianity to cherish him as their special
protector.
