Saint Mary’s Day in Georgia
Saint Mary’s Day, known as Mariamoba, is a public holiday in Georgia on August 28. It marks the Dormition of the Virgin Mary in the Georgian Orthodox Church calendar.[1][2]
A holiday set by law
Georgia’s Labour Code lists August 28 as “the Assumption of the Virgin Mary day (‘Mariamoba’).” It is one of the country’s statutory holidays, alongside religious and civic dates.[1]
The law treats work performed on a listed holiday as overtime, with compensation determined under the Code’s overtime provisions. It also allows employees to request other rest days by agreement with their employer. The Code does not set an automatic substitute day when Mariamoba falls on a weekend.[1]
Religious meaning and observance
Mariamoba commemorates the Dormition, or passing, of the Virgin Mary. The State Agency for Religious Issues describes the Orthodox belief that Mary was buried in Gethsemane, raised from the dead on the third day, and taken up to heaven. The agency calls Mariamoba one of the Orthodox Church’s great feasts.[2]
The agency also says a two-week fast precedes the feast. A separate agency report documents a festive liturgy celebrated by Georgian Orthodox clergy with parishioners for Mariamoba. That service took place in Qakh, Azerbaijan.[2]
Planning around the holiday
The Labour Code establishes the holiday and the treatment of work on that date, but it does not prescribe opening hours for public offices, banks, shops or transport. Check with the specific institution or service before making plans; hours may depend on its own schedule.[1]
For people wishing to attend a service, ask a local church for its schedule. The holiday’s fixed date is August 28, regardless of the weekday on which it falls.[1][2]
Frequently asked questions
When is Saint Mary’s Day in Georgia?
It is observed on August 28. Georgia’s Labour Code names the date as the Assumption of the Virgin Mary day, or Mariamoba.[1]
Is Mariamoba a public holiday?
Yes. It is listed as a statutory holiday in the Labour Code. Work performed on the holiday is treated as overtime under the law.[1]
Do offices, banks, shops and transport close?
Check directly with the office, business or transport provider before travelling, as opening hours and schedules can vary.[1]
Are there substitute days when August 28 falls on a weekend?
The Labour Code allows additional rest days to be set by government ordinance, but does not specify an automatic weekend replacement for this holiday.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Saint Mary's Day in Georgia:
- ORGANIC LAW OF GEORGIA – LABOUR CODE OF GEORGIA- Legislative Herald of Georgia (Matsne)
- დღეს მარიამობაა, ყოვლადწმიდა ღმრთისმშობლის მიძინების დღე- State Agency for Religious Issues of Georgia