In Georgia, the Day of Saint Nino, the country’s beloved patroness, is celebrated with great reverence, known as “Ninooba.” This special occasion is observed twice a year: on January 27, the anniversary of Saint Nino’s passing, and on June 1, the day she arrived in Georgia.
Saint Nino, the future protector of Georgia, was born around 280 AD to noble and pious parents in Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey). Her father was a relative of Saint George the Victorious, while her mother was the sister of the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Juvenal. Nino spent her childhood in her hometown of Kolastra and her youth in Jerusalem. When she turned 12, her parents, with the blessing of the Patriarch of Jerusalem, dedicated their lives to serving God, entrusting the spiritual upbringing of young Nino to the devout elder Nianfora.
Under the guidance of Nianfora, who nurtured Nino’s spiritual growth and shared stories of the Savior’s earthly life and His sufferings, Nino learned how the Lord’s Tunic came to the distant pagan land of Iberia (Georgia). From that day forward, she fervently prayed to the Most Holy Theotokos, asking to be granted the honor of venerating the Lord’s Tunic, which the Mother of God had woven with her own hands for her beloved Son.
One night, Nino dreamed that the Most Holy Theotokos bestowed upon her a cross made of grapevines and sent her forth to preach the Gospel in Iberia. Upon waking, she found the grapevine cross in her hand. Tying the cross with her hair, Nino went to her uncle, Patriarch Juvenal. Upon hearing the young girl’s account, the Patriarch unhesitatingly blessed her for her apostolic mission.
Saint Nino set out on her journey, overcoming numerous dangers and miraculously escaping death, and she arrived in Iberia in 319 AD. She embraced the local people, learned their customs and language, and preached Orthodoxy, her sermons accompanied by many signs and wonders.
During the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, Saint Nino arrived in the city of Mtskheta (the ancient capital of Georgia), where pagan festivities were being held. While she prayed, a powerful wind arose, toppling the idols to which the people prayed and offered sacrifices.
In Mtskheta, Saint Nino took up residence with the childless royal gardener. Through her prayers, the gardener’s wife was healed of her barrenness and became the first woman to believe in Christ.
Saint Nino performed many other miracles. She healed Queen Nana, and not long after, she restored King Mirian’s sight, who had been blind. According to legend, during a hunting expedition, darkness suddenly descended upon King Mirian. The king desperately called upon his gods for help, but the darkness did not lift. In that moment of despair, he turned for the first time to the Lord whom Nino preached, and light filled the sky, leading the king to believe in the Almighty.
King Mirian and Queen Nana, along with their children and relatives, received Holy Baptism in the waters of the Aragvi River. Christianity was declared the state religion in Georgia in 324 AD. The first Christian church in Georgia was built on the site where the Lord’s Tunic was buried. According to chronicles, it was revealed to Saint Nino through her prayers. The main cathedral of the Georgian Church, Svetitskhoveli, dedicated to the Twelve Apostles of Christ, was reconstructed in the 11th century and continues to host all major ecclesiastical events, including the enthronement of the Catholicos-Patriarch.
Following this, Saint Nino, accompanied by Presbyter Jacob and a deacon, traveled to the upper reaches of the Aragvi and Iori rivers, where she preached the Gospel to the pagan highlanders. Many of them, coming to believe in the Savior, accepted Holy Baptism.
From there, Saint Nino journeyed to Kakheti (Eastern Georgia) and settled on the slopes of a mountain in the area of Bodbe, living in a hut where she prayed and preached. The enlightener baptized the local inhabitants, including Queen Sophia (Sodja) of Kakheti and her court.
After completing her apostolic ministry in Georgia, Saint Nino received a message from above regarding her imminent death. In a letter to the king, she requested the arrival of Bishop John to prepare her for her final journey.
In Bodbe, the bishop arrived with the king and clergy, witnessing many healings that occurred at Saint Nino’s deathbed. At the request of her female disciples, Saint Nino recounted her origins and life. This account, recorded by Solomia Ujarmeli, became the basis of Saint Nino’s life story.
Saint Nino passed away in 335 AD, though some sources suggest it was in 347 AD. According to her wishes, she was buried in Bodbe, where today stands the women’s monastery dedicated to the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Nino.
To the northeast of the monastery lies the spring of Saint Nino (“Ninos ts’karo”), known for its healing waters. In the gorge, a bathhouse and a small church have been built in honor of her parents, Saints Zevulon and Susanna, and the stream of pilgrims visiting this sacred site never ceases.
In Georgia, the name Nino is immensely popular, with many girls being named after her, as she is regarded as the heavenly protector of the country and its people. Saint Nino watches over all who bear her name and assists everyone who seeks her intercession.