A B O U T O U R O R D E R
St. Nino’s Order is a diaconal arm of the Evangelical Baptist Church of Georgia. Starting in Tbilisi,
the Sisters soon spread to 28 different stations across Georgia where they took it upon
themselves to care for members of the Georgian community that are in need of help Regardless
their religious or non-religious affiliations. These people are often elderly while living in poor
conditions that ultimately lead to the worsening of their health. To service those in need, the
Sisters collect donations in order to supply housing, food, and medical supplies while also
providing assistance in cooking and cleaning. The mission of St. Nino’s Order is simple; their
mission is to help wherever they can.
S T . N I N O
The name St. Nino was chosen by the order in reference to Saint Nino. St. Nino is considered to
be the bringer of Christianity in Iberia, ancient Georgia. Around 318 AD, St. Nino arrived to Iberia
from Constantinople in order to carry out her mission to convert the Kingdom to Christianity. It
is believed that St. Nino carried the gift of healing. Using this gift, St. Nino cured Queen Nana
leading to her conversion to the Christian faith. Around 326 AD, it is believed the king, Mirian III
of Iberia, converted to Christianity after calling on St. Nino’s God for deliverance after becoming
lost on a hunting trip. The conversion of these two leaders ultimately led to the conversion of the
kingdom. St. Nino’s symbol is a grapevine cross which is said to have been given to her by Christ
himself when traveling to the kingdom of Iberia. This cross has now become the symbol of the
Order of St. Nino in remembrance of St. Nino’s devotion to the faith and the healing of people.
H I S T O R Y
In 1992, the European Baptist Women’s Union With leadership of Hilde Sayers, its president
began caring for a small group of people in need that were not directly related to the church. This
was a revolutionary idea since before this time, churches were only allowed to care for members
of their own congregations. The women involved in this work provided support financially while
also supplying basic care such as cooking and cleaning. Then, with the support of the European
Baptist Federation and Berlin’s Baptist diaconal order, the women established the Order of St.
Nino in Georgia. Together Karl-Heinz Walter, from the European Baptist Federation, and Sister
Mechtild Schroeder trained and supported all of the Sisters needed for this project.
L E A D E R S H I P
The first leader of the Order of St. Nino was senior Sister Marina Maisashvili; however, since
January 1 2007, the Order of St. Nino has been led by Sister Liana Tschopliani,. Sister Liana
Tschopliani works as the lead administrator and director of St. Nino’s Order. The work of the
Sisters provides invaluable care to all of those who come across it whether they are those who
are provided service or the Sisters themselves.