Saint Nino of Georgia

Biography

Saint Nino of Georgia, also known as the Apostle of Georgia, was a remarkable figure in the spread of Christianity in the region. Though her background remains unclear, it is believed that she was not originally from Georgia, but was brought there as a slave. The circumstances of her enslavement are uncertain, but it is speculated that she may have been brought by her master when he emigrated or that she became enslaved after fleeing her war-racked homeland. One notable miracle attributed to Saint Nino occurred when she cured a dying child by placing her hair shirt on him and fervently praying. This miraculous healing gained attention, and news of it reached the Queen of Georgia, who was suffering from an untreatable malady. The Queen sent for Nino, but she humbly replied, "I am a slave. My place is not in a palace." However, the Queen was determined and went to Nino herself. Through the power of her prayers, Nino cured the Queen, which prompted the royal family to offer her any reward she desired. Instead of material wealth or power, Nino requested that they convert to Christianity. The recently healed Queen was open to the idea, but King Mirian resisted initially. However, a significant turning point came when the King found himself surrounded by wild animals during a hunt. In desperation, he made a plea to God, vowing to convert if he survived the ordeal. Miraculously, the animals left him unharmed, and true to his word, the King requested priests and bishops from Emperor Constantine to spread Christianity throughout Georgia. With the King's request, the work of spreading the Christian faith began in Georgia. Saint Nino, having fulfilled her mission of converting the royal family, retreated to a prayerful and contemplative life as a recluse. She found solace on a mountainside at Bodbe Monastery situated in Kakheti, Georgia. Saint Nino is often depicted with a Georgian cross or a grapevine cross, both of which symbolize her significant contribution to the Christianization of Georgia. For her tireless efforts and the profound impact she had on the nation, she is venerated as a saint. Depending on various sources, Saint Nino's birthplace is attributed to Cappadocia, Rome, Jerusalem, or Gaul (modern France). After a life dedicated to the service of God and the spread of Christianity, she passed away around 320 at the Bodbe Monastery in Kakheti, Georgia, due to natural causes. She was laid to rest in the Cathedral of Mtskheta, Georgia. Although Saint Nino's canonization occurred before the formal establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, she is widely venerated as a saint within the Catholic Church. Saint Nino holds patronage over the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Christiana and is recognized as the patron saint of Georgia, as well as the Azov, Caspian, and Caucasus regions of Russia. Overall, Saint Nino of Georgia is celebrated for her unwavering faith, miraculous healings, and her key role in the conversion of Georgia to Christianity. Her legacy continues to inspire believers and fosters a connection between the Catholic Church and the rich history of faith in the region.