Saint Nina, the niece of the Patriarch of Jerusalem Juvenal, loved God from her youth and sought to enlighten pagan Iberia. After a vision of the Mother of God with a cross made of grapevines, she set out for Iberia, fleeing from the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian.
Settling with a woman in the royal vineyards, Saint Nina quickly became known for her healings and preaching about Christ. She converted many, including King Marian, and contributed to the construction of the first church in Iberia.
Not seeking honors, Saint Nina withdrew into solitude, where she thanked the Lord for the conversion of the pagans. Later, she converted Queen Sophia to Christianity. Saint Nina peacefully departed this life on January 14, 335, and a church in the name of Saint George the Great Martyr was erected at the place of her death.
Her name is associated with the finding of the Holy Chiton, which came to Georgia after the crucifixion of the Savior.
