Giorgoba (St. George's Day)

Within Azerbaijan, there are many ethnic minority groups, as well as residents from neighboring countries. In the Northern mountainous city of Qax, there lives a large population of Georgians. Along with Azerbaijan and Armenia, Georgia makes up the Caucasus region of Central Asia/Eastern Europe.



St. George is the patron saint of Georgia. Every year on May 6^th (His death) and November 23^rd (His Birth), in honor of St. George's Feast Day, Georgians living in Azerbaijan, pilgrimage to an Albanian church that sits at the top of a steep hill. 

 
This year, a few fellow PCV friends and I joined the pilgrimage. Typically people walk up the rocky ascent barefoot, to show respect for the Saint and give penance for their sins.

 

 

Before climbing, people purchase bundles of 10 home-made, thin, beeswax candles. One bundle costs 1azn.

Along the walk, people light the candles and say prayers, before sticking the candles to the sides of rock mountain.

 

 

Once the church is reached, at the peak of the hill, people circumnavigate the building 3 times, kissing and praying to each of the 4 corners. 

 People also bring livestock to the church, to bless them before sacrificing it below.

Upon finishing the 3 circles of the building, next people enter this ancient place of worship. Inside, more candles are lit and prayers and intentions said. 

 

Upon exiting the church, there is another short ascent to reach a spectacular view of the church and valley below. 

After the pilgrimage is complete, friends and family gather at the base of the hill for music and picnics.