St George Day

Today 23 November is  St. George's Day.  A public holiday for most.  I had to google the event as I wasnt sure what it was about, the piece below is what I found. 

St. George the Victorious, who stately sits on horseback, hitting a serpent, is the most beloved and revered Christian saint in Georgia. According to ancient legend, reverence of the memory of the beloved brother was bequeathed to the Georgians by St. Nino, who converted Georgia in the Christian faith. History of St. George dates back to the beginning of our era, the dawn of Christianity.

George served as a commander under Roman emperor Diocletian, and became the patron of all Christians who have suffered on violence and harassment. For this he was subjected to a terrible torture: he was committed to breaking on the wheel, when rotating the wheel brings into motion a set of knives and lances, which dig into the victim's body.

Christian Church canonized St. George as the Great Martyr and Saint. But for Georgia, he became the patron and protector, and the day when he was broken on the wheel - November 23 - became big religious holiday in Georgia. On this day bells are ringing in all the churches. Believers pray to St. George for welfare, peace and health. In the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi is held a solemn liturgy. November 23 in Georgia is a day off. The Georgians devote their leisure to themselves, their family, friends and relatives. On this day the tables are covered with a beautiful cloth, people celebrate, sing traditional Georgian songs.

Via Advantour