About Saint Andrew the First-Called Day
Saint Andrew the First-Called Day is a significant holiday in Georgia that commemorates the arrival of Saint Andrew, one of Jesus Christ's apostles, to the region. It is celebrated to honor the Christian heritage of Georgia and the role of Saint Andrew in spreading Christianity in the country.
Saint Andrew the First-Called Day is a public holiday in Georgia. In 2026, it falls on Tuesday, May 12. In the local language, this holiday is known as "แฌแแแแแ แแแชแแฅแฃแแแก แแแแ แแ แแแ แแแแฌแแแแแฃแแแก แกแแฅแแ แแแแแแจแ แจแแแแกแแแแก แแฆแ". This holiday does not fall on the same date every year โ its date varies annually.
This is a national holiday, observed throughout all of Georgia. Most businesses, government offices, and schools are closed on this day.
Traditions & Customs
On this day, people participate in church services and processions to honor Saint Andrew. Many Georgians also prepare traditional dishes and gather with family and friends to celebrate their shared faith and cultural identity.
Did You Know?
Saint Andrew is considered the patron saint of Georgia, and his arrival is believed to have marked the beginning of Christianity in the region.
Holiday Details
| Holiday Name | Saint Andrew the First-Called Day |
| Local Name | แฌแแแแแ แแแชแแฅแฃแแแก แแแแ แแ แแแ แแแแฌแแแแแฃแแแก แกแแฅแแ แแแแแแจแ แจแแแแกแแแแก แแฆแ |
| Date | Tuesday, May 12, 2026 |
| Country |  Georgia |
| Type | Public |
| Scope | National โ observed throughout the country |
| Fixed Date | No โ date varies annually |
Holiday Greeting
"แแแแแชแแแ แฌแแแแแ แแแแ แแ แแแ แแแแฌแแแแแฃแแแก แแฆแแก! (Gilotsavt ts'minda Andria pirvelts'odebulis dghes!)"
Frequently Asked Questions
What foods are traditionally prepared for Saint Andrew's Day in Georgia?
On Saint Andrew's Day, families often prepare traditional Georgian dishes such as khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) and various meat and vegetable stews. These meals are enjoyed during family gatherings to celebrate the holiday.
Are there any specific church services held on this day?
Yes, special church services are held in honor of Saint Andrew, where clergy and congregants gather to pray and reflect on his contributions to Christianity in Georgia. Many people also light candles and make offerings at churches.
Is Saint Andrew's Day a public holiday in Georgia?
Yes, Saint Andrew the First-Called Day is recognized as a public holiday in Georgia, allowing people to participate in celebrations and religious observances without work commitments. It is a day of cultural pride and spiritual significance.
When is Saint Andrew the First-Called Day 2026 in Georgia?
Saint Andrew the First-Called Day 2026 in Georgia falls on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Is Saint Andrew the First-Called Day a public holiday in Georgia?
Yes, Saint Andrew the First-Called Day is a public holiday in Georgia. It is observed nationwide.
Is Saint Andrew the First-Called Day on the same date every year?
Saint Andrew the First-Called Day does not have a fixed date and varies from year to year.