As the crossing place of multiple civilizations, Georgia has usually been inhabited by numerous religious groups, though it represents one of the first countries in the world to adopt Christianity as its state religion, officially doing so in 326 AD. This transformation was led by St. Nino of Cappadocia, who preached the Gospel in ancient Iberia and converted King Mirian III into Christianity. The Apostle Andrew is also believed to have brought Christianity to the region in

the 1st century. The Georgian Orthodox Church has defined national identity and is still the most important religious group, with more than 80% of the population following it today.

Throughout its history, Georgia has served as a religious and cultural frontier between Christian Europe and the Islamic empires of the East. From the early medieval period, it resisted invasions by Persians, Arabs, Seljuks, and Mongols, preserving its Christian faith under extreme pressure. The country maintained contact with European Christian states and was often seen as a natural ally in the defense of Christendom.

Christianity is visible throughout Georgia in its ancient churches, monasteries, and relics. Jvari Monastery, Gelati Academy, and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral are only a few examples of Georgia’s spiritual heritage, attracting thousands of pilgrims and religious tourists annually.

Despite being a predominantly Christian nation, Georgia is known for its religious diversity. Islam is the second-largest religion, practiced mainly in Adjara, Kvemo Kartli, and Pankisi Gorge by Sunni and Shia communities. Tbilisi is home to the only mosque in the world where Sunni and Shia Muslims pray together. Judaism has had a constant presence in Georgia for over 2,600 years, with active synagogues deployed in cities such as Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi, Oni, Surami, and Gori. The Armenian Apostolic Church has been present since the 5th century and serves the large Armenian population primarily in Javakheti and Tbilisi. Catholics, both Armenian and Latin rite, form a small but historic community, with churches operating in Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi. Georgia also hosts smaller religious minorities, including Lutherans of German origin, Yazidis who arrived during the early 20th century, and Doukhobors, a pacifist Christian sect settled during the Russian Empire.