Saint Andrew the First-Called Day in Georgia
Georgia observes Saint Andrew the First-Called Day on May 12, a public holiday that also commemorates the country’s dedication to the Virgin Mary and is called the Day of Hope in the Labour Code.[1] The day joins a Georgian Orthodox Church commemoration with a national holiday rooted in the tradition that Andrew first preached Christianity among Georgians.[2][3]
A Georgian public holiday
Georgia’s Labour Code lists May 12 as “Day of Georgia as the abode of the Holy Mother, Commemoration Day of St. Andrew the Apostle, Founder of the Apostolic Church of Georgia, Day of Hope.” This legal title gives the holiday several connected meanings: Andrew’s place in the country’s Christian tradition, Georgia’s relationship with the Virgin Mary, and the national Day of Hope.[1]
The Code treats May 12 as a public holiday for employees. If an employee works on a holiday listed in the Code, that work is treated as overtime, with compensation determined under the law’s overtime provisions. The Code also allows an employee to request other rest days by agreement with the employer. Its holiday provision does not set an automatic substitute day when May 12 falls on a weekend.[1]
Andrew in Georgian tradition
The Georgian National Encyclopedia describes Andrew, also known as the First-Called, as one of the first disciples of Christ. It says he came to be known in Georgia as the first evangelizer and disseminator of Christianity among Georgians from the 11th century onward. The encyclopedia attributes the earliest mention of his activity in Georgia to the writings of Niketas Paphlagon, who lived from 763 to 838.[2]
The traditions recorded by the encyclopedia connect Andrew’s journey with several parts of Georgia. They recount that he passed through the region of Did Achara, then traveled through Klarjeti and Samtskhe, onward to Meskheti, Svaneti and Abkhazia, and finally to Jiketi. These are accounts of Georgian religious tradition, rather than a modern itinerary that visitors can verify as historical fact.[2]
Commemoration and observance
The State Agency for Religious Issues reports that the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates Andrew on May 12 and celebrates Georgia’s dedication to the Virgin Mary on the same day. The agency describes Andrew as the first preacher and spreader of Christianity among Georgians, reflecting the religious meaning behind the holiday.[3]
The celebration honours the church commemoration and the holiday’s place in national law. Check locally for customs, menus and public events. It is best understood through its officially named religious and national meanings, without assuming that every household marks it in the same way.[1][3]
Practical effects
The Labour Code establishes the holiday and the employment rules that apply to work performed on it; it does not specify that every public office, school, bank, shop or transport service must close. Opening hours and service schedules should therefore be checked with the particular institution or operator, especially if you have an appointment or travel planned.[1]
For employees, the practical question is whether the employer observes the holiday as a day off or has agreed that work will be performed and compensated under the overtime rules. The Code also permits employees to request a different rest day by agreement.[1]
Frequently asked questions
Is Saint Andrew the First-Called Day a public holiday in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia’s Labour Code lists May 12 as a holiday commemorating Saint Andrew and naming the Day of Georgia as the abode of the Holy Mother and the Day of Hope.[1]
When is it observed?
Do workers get the day off?
The Labour Code lists May 12 as a holiday. Work performed on a holiday listed in the Code is treated as overtime; employees may also request another rest day by agreement with their employer.[1]
Are shops, banks and public transport open?
The cited law does not set opening hours or service schedules for shops, banks or transport. Check directly with the business or service you plan to use.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Saint Andrew the First-Called Day in Georgia:
- ORGANIC LAW OF GEORGIA – LABOUR CODE OF GEORGIA- Legislative Herald of Georgia (Matsne)
- Andrew the Apostle- Georgian National Academy of Sciences, I. Abashidze Main Scientific Editorial Office of the Georgian Encyclopedia
- საქართველოს მართლმადიდებელი ეკლესია წმ. ანდრია პირველწოდებულის ხსენებისა და საქართველოს ყოვლადწმიდა ღვთისმშობლის წილხვდომილობის დღესასწაულს ზეიმობს- State Agency for Religious Issues of Georgia