Orthodox Georgians are today celebrating Saint Barbara’s Day – the great Martyr who was tortured by her own father after she converted to Christianity.

This morning churches throughout Georgia held special liturgy services honoring Saint Barbara.

The occasion has been celebrated in Georgia since the 9th Century. The Feast of Saint Barbara is connected with an old Georgian folk tradition to bake lobiani (bean pies). Each year on December 17, Georgians cooking bean pies to show respect for Saint Barbara.