The most significant cathedrals in Abkhazia. Mokvi, Ilori and Dranda.

The Mokvi Cathedral was erected by order of the Abkhazian king Leon I11 (967-975). The cathedral is a synthesis of styles: a three-nave basilica and a domed temple. chapels are located in the side aisles. There was a rich book depository in the temple, in which a special place is occupied by the gospel from Mokvi (1301), which is currently in the repository of the National Center of Manuscripts of Georgia.

The Bishop's Cathedral in Dranda is 18 km away. Southeast of Sukhumi, on the right bank of the Kodori River, on an elevated plateau, in the village of Dranda, on the territory of Abkhazia, currently occupied by Russia. This cathedral dates from the VII-VIII centuries. According to the architectural layout, it is considered one of the variants of the Mtskheta Jvari, combining Byzantine elements. The cathedral was repeatedly damaged during the era of Turkish rule (XVII-XVIII centuries), the frescoes of the XIII-XIV centuries were completely erased. In 1880-83, restoration was carried out in the cathedral, and then a monastery was opened here, which existed until 1921. In 1978, repair and restoration works were carried out in Dranda, the purpose of which was to restore the original appearance of the cathedral.

The Ilora Church of St. George is the most important place of prayer in Western Georgia. It is located 3 kilometers from the city of Ochamchire, on the territory of Abkhazia, currently occupied by Russia. The monument of the first quarter of the XI century is a single-nave structure with extensions on the north, south and west sides. Inscriptions have been preserved on the eastern facade. In the Middle Ages, the temple was part of the samtavro of Odisha. In the XVII century . it was repaired by Levan II Dadiani. In 1736, the temple was burned by the Turks. In the 40s of the XIX century, a thorough restoration of the temple was carried out. Not far from it are the ruins of an early medieval fortress.

Celebrations in honor of St. George (Georgob) were held in Ilori. The ritual was performed by the priests of Odisha. A bull with a spot on its forehead was sacrificed, which was sent miraculously by St. George, and its meat was distributed to pilgrims. Pieces of meat were kept for protection from evil and misfortunes. In ancient times, instead of a bull, a deer was sacrificed, which, according to legend, appeared in the temple itself.