Georgia About

May 12 is an official holiday in Georgia and marks the day that the Apostle Andrew the First-Called arrived in Georgia, in present-day Ajara region. St. Andrew was the first of the apostles of Jesus Christ. The church tradition of Georgia regards St. Andrew as the first preacher of Christianity in Georgia and as the founder of the Georgian Orthodox Church.

The Apostle Andrew the First-Called

A fisherman by trade, Andrew was born in Bethsaida on the northern coast of the Sea of Galilee. The Gospel of John states that Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist, whose testimony first led him to follow Jesus Christ.

A large statue commemorating St Andrew was placed in front of a waterfall near the village of Sarpi in the Ajara region of Georgia in 2008.

Statue of The Apostle Andrew the First-Called near Sarpi in Ajara.

It is believed that St Andrew passed this waterfall during his travels in Georgia. The statue is a favorite with wedding parties as it is believed to bring newly married couples good luck.

Statue of The Apostle Andrew the First-Called near Sarpi in Ajara.

St. Andrew was crucified in 62 AD. in the city of Patras on the northern coast of the Peloponnese. The Georgian Orthodox Church marks the day of Saint Andrew the First-Called twice a year – on May 12 and on December 13.

Statue of The Apostle Andrew the First-Called near Sarpi in Ajara.

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