Saint Nicholas in Batumi: a Greek Church by the Sea
The History of the Greek Church
At the beginning of the 19th century, a large number of ethnic Greeks lived in Batumi. With the support of the mayor Ilya Yefremidi, they appealed to the Turkish authorities with a request to build an Orthodox church. They gave permission, but with the condition that the church would not have a bell.
The church was built at the expense of parishioners, and the land for it was donated by I. Efremidi, who was also of Greek origin.
The first service in the new church was held in 1871. Since 1894, schools for boys and girls have been operating at the temple. And the choir of St. Peter's Church. Nicholas was considered the best in the city.
The temple's "voice" appeared in 1878, after the end of the Russo-Turkish war, when Adjara came under Russian rule. The Russian military brought the bell, which still serves today.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the parishioners of the church received as a gift from the Orthodox of the Greek island of Chios three wonderful icons: St. Nicholas, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. George.
After the formation of the Batumi diocese, St. Nicholas Cathedral became a cathedral.
It remained that way until the 1980s. During this period, the Georgian Church was given the Church of the Virgin of the Nativity, to which the status of a cathedral was transferred.
Modern times
In Soviet times, the temple ceased to operate, the building was transferred to the needs of the city authorities. And only in 1946, at the urgent request of the residents of the city and the Georgian community, the temple again received believers. Permission was given personally by I.V. Stalin. The first restoration of the temple was carried out with donations from the townspeople.
The next reconstruction of the church was carried out in 1998-1999. Financial support was provided by Z. Jayani and O. Galogre. A. Akhvlediani supervised the renovation of the cathedral's interior, and priest Joseph Vanidze was involved in the painting.
Major repairs of this significant Georgian landmark were carried out in 2011. The building has been renovated both inside and out.
The church is distinguished by its architecture and exterior design. Surrounded by southern vegetation, it looks great. After all, Adjara is the most beautiful place in Georgia.
For the Orthodox residents of Batumi, the Church of St. St. Nicholas is a very important place. For many years, they were not indifferent to the fate of this temple. And for tourists it is an interesting historical monument.
Temple locations
The temple is located on the former Greek, and now Tsar Parnavaza St., 20. It is in the central part of Batumi, near the Piazza Square.
You can get here by city buses, routes No. 1A, 13, 16.
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