Thousands of people are visiting Georgia’s historical city of Mtskheta this weekend to celebrate the opening of the tomb of St. Gabriel.
Due to the high number of visitors, the roads heading to Mtskheta are closed to vehicles. Only special buses and cars with permits are allowed to enter the city.
The territory of the Monastery is being protected by soldiers and large number of police and ambulances have also been deployed.
Thousands of believers who wanted to come close to the Saint’s body gathered at the Samtavro Monastery but only people with special permits were able to enter the church territory. The tomb was also closed to media.
During his life, Monk Gabriel was renowned as a "Fool for Christ", which means 'Salos' in Greek. Georgian pilgrims also believed his miracles. Priest Gabriel was recognized as a saint by the Holy Synod on December 21 last year.
Saint Gabriel was a deeply eccentric character and to the Soviet authorities he was considered to be insane.
Saint Gabriel was famed for his powers of prophecy during his life, as well as a fearless approach to denouncing Communism publicly. He was considered "sane” and executed by the authorities.
The sacred body of the Saint was carried to the Svetitskhoveli Church, where believes will be able to tribute him. Patriarch of Georgia and members of Holy Synod are also expected to visit the church.
The body was brought to Svetitskhoveli from Transfiguration Cathedral of the Samtavro Monastery, where a solemn prayer was performed.
During the liturgy, the sacred body was carried outside and then brought back inside the church.
On February 24, the sacred body of St Gabriel will be transferred to Tbilisi Holy Trinity Church where the parish will be able to visit him for one week, the Georgian Orthodox Church reported.
Priest Gabriel was recognized as a Saint by the Holy Synod on December 21 last year.
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