Georgia celebrates day of its legendary cathedral Svetitskhoveli
The current Cathedral was built in the 11th Century by Georgian architect Arsukisdze, although the site itself was even older and dated back to the early 4th century. Photo: kartvelitours.com.
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Today Orthodox Christians in Georgia are celebrating Mtskhetoba-Svetitskhovloba, a celebration of Georgia’s ancient capital city and its legendary cathedral.
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, known as the burial site of Christ's mantle, is a Georgian Orthodox cathedral located in the historical town of Mtskheta, 20km northwest of the nation's capital Tbilisi.
It is one of the principal worship sites of the Georgian Orthodox faith and the place where many local monarchs have been crowned and laid to rest.
Each year on this day believers and guests traditionally visit Mtskheta.
- Read more about Svetitskhoveli here.
Georgian health officials have urged people to wear face masks while visiting Mtskheta today.
Head of Georgia’s National Centre for Disease Control Amiran Gamkrelidze stated that there were several cases when individuals contracted the virus in a church.
Clerics of the sixth-century Georgian Jvari Monastery say in a statement that the closure of the site for the parish and tourists was a “radical step” by them to attract public attention.
Today Orthodox Christians in Georgia are celebrating Mtskhetoba-Svetitskhovloba, a celebration of Georgia’s ancient capital city and its legendary cathedral.
Some of Georgia's most cherished monuments will be protected in case of conflict after a special meeting of UNESCO granted three sites in the country's ancient capital Mtskheta the status of 'enhanced protection'.
Today Orthodox Christians in Georgia are celebrating Mtskhetoba-Svetitskhovloba, a celebration of Georgia’s ancient capital city and its legendary cathedral.