Saint Nino

Saint Nino, also known as Nina, was born in the latter half of the 3rd century in Cappadocia, a region in modern-day Turkey. According to tradition, she belonged to a noble family and was a relative of Saint George. From a young age, she was deeply influenced by the Christian faith and dedicated herself to a life of piety and devotion.

Call to Mission

The turning point in Saint Nino’s life came through a divine vision, prompting her to embark on a missionary journey to Iberia (present-day Georgia). This vision, believed to be a call from the Virgin Mary, led her to leave Cappadocia and travel to Iberia, a region predominantly pagan at the time, with the mission of spreading Christianity.

Journey to Iberia

Saint Nino’s journey to Iberia was filled with challenges. She traveled on foot, enduring hardships and opposition. According to legend, on her way to Iberia, she stopped in the Kingdom of Armenia, where she is said to have performed miracles, gaining a small following.

Life and Mission in Iberia

Upon her arrival in Iberia, Saint Nino began her mission in the kingdom's royal city, Mtskheta. She faced a society deeply entrenched in pagan beliefs and practices. However, her unwavering faith, combined with her ability to perform miracles, gradually won her respect and followers.

One of the most significant moments in her mission was the miraculous healing of Queen Nana of Iberia, who had been seriously ill. This event had a profound impact on the royal family and the people of Iberia. The queen’s conversion to Christianity following her healing marked a turning point in the spread of the faith in the region.

Conversion of King Mirian III

The conversion of King Mirian III, the husband of Queen Nana, was another pivotal moment in the Christianization of Iberia. According to tradition, the king was convinced of the power of the Christian God after experiencing a miraculous event during a hunting expedition. Following this, King Mirian declared Christianity as the state religion of Iberia around 327 AD, making it one of the first countries to adopt Christianity at a state level.

The Grapevine Cross

Saint Nino is often depicted holding a cross made of grapevines tied with her hair. This cross, known as the Grapevine Cross or the Nino Cross, is a powerful symbol in Georgian Christianity. It represents Saint Nino’s mission and the establishment of the Christian faith in Georgia. The cross is still used in the Georgian Orthodox Church and holds significant religious and cultural importance.

Final Years and Legacy

Saint Nino continued her missionary work in Iberia until her death. She is believed to have passed away in Bodbe, in southeastern Georgia, where she was buried. Her burial site became a place of pilgrimage and later, the site of the Bodbe Monastery, which is dedicated to her.

The legacy of Saint Nino is profoundly embedded in Georgian culture and religious identity. She is revered as the "Enlightener of Georgia," credited with establishing Christianity in the country and laying the foundation for its religious and cultural development. Her life and work symbolize faith, perseverance, and the transformative power of missionary work.