Saint Andrew the First-Called Day

**Saint Andrew the First-Called Day in Georgia** Saint Andrew the First-Called Day is a significant religious and cultural holiday in Georgia, celebrated on **May 12** each year. It honors Saint Andrew the Apostle, known as the "First-Called" because he was the first disciple called by Jesus Christ. According to Georgian tradition, Saint Andrew played a pivotal role in spreading Christianity in the region. He is believed to have traveled to Georgia in the 1st century AD, preaching the Gospel and laying the foundation for the country's Christian faith, which was later officially adopted as the state religion in 337 AD. The day is marked by religious services, processions, and prayers in churches across Georgia, particularly in places associated with Saint Andrew's missionary work. It is a time for Georgians to reflect on their Christian heritage and the enduring influence of Saint Andrew on their nation's spiritual identity. The holiday also serves as a reminder of Georgia's deep historical ties to Christianity, making it a source of national pride and cultural celebration.