Holidays of Georgia - Tamaroba (Day of Remembrance of Queen Tamara)

On May 14, the entire Orthodox population of Georgia celebrates a significant event - Tamaroba. Or, as it is commonly called, the day of remembrance of the holy Queen Tamara. And since 1917, when the country’s Orthodox autocephaly was restored, this holiday has become a national holiday. Queen Tamara was the first and only female ruler in Georgia. She came from the ancient Bagratid family. Since childhood, Tamara showed abilities in studying diplomacy and the ability to negotiate, so her father, George III, made her his co-ruler as soon as the girl turned 14 years old, and at 18 he already crowned her king. The queen was also called a great reformer, because she was able to restore order in the country: she pacified her enemies, reduced taxes for the population, and, in general, freed monasteries and churches from any payments to the state. In addition, Tamara cared about the education of Georgia. By her order, many temples, monasteries and churches were built, for example, the Vardzia Monastery. She supported talented poets and writers. It is not for nothing that her reign is usually called the “Golden Age” in history. At the same time, the queen led a very pious lifestyle. Tamara made every effort to make Christianity the state religion of Georgia. And she did it well: many previously rebellious Muslim mountaineers humbled themselves and underwent the rite of baptism. The Church appreciated her efforts and canonized her for this. On May 14, the day of remembrance of Saint Tamara (or Tamaroobu), solemn services are held in absolutely all Orthodox churches and temples in Georgia. Although most pilgrims try to get to Tbilisi, to the Church of Our Lady of Didubi (it was there that the queen married her husband) or to the small town of Akhaltsikhe (there is a huge monument in the center of the city) to pray, light a candle and ask for protection from the great Tamara.