Georgians celebrate the St. Barbara’s Day

The Divine Liturgy was served in every Georgian Orthodox Church. Photo by Nino Alavidze
Agenda.ge, 17 Dec 2013 - 12:43, Tbilisi,Georgia

Georgian Orthodox Church celebrates the Great Martyr Barbaras Day on December 17.

The Divine Liturgy was served in every Georgian Orthodox Church. The Solemn Liturgy continues to be celebrated in the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi since morning, which is the third-tallest Eastern Orthodox Cathedral in the World.

The Great Martyr Barbaras Day has been celebrated in Georgia since the 9th century. The Feast of Saint Barbara is connected with the old Georgian folk tradition to bake bean pies. On December 17, the Georgians are cooking bean pies to show respect for Saint Barbara.

December 17 is also considered as the Day of Destiny in Georgia. According to the superstition, how the person will pass this day, the next year will be the same.

The Great Martyr Barbara is from the 3rd century. She was the daughter of a rich pagan named Dioscorus. After she converted to Christianity, she was tortured and beheaded. Saint Barbara is considered as the Patron of the children and fertility.

 

The Sioni Cathedral of the Dormition in Tbilisi, December 17. Photo by Nino Alavidze