Khichauri Dormition Cathedral: History, Shrines, Route

When visiting Georgia, it's worth exploring more than just the capital, major cities, and resort areas. Georgia's attractions are diverse, including religious buildings such as monasteries and cathedrals.

Christianity has been the country's official religion since the 4th century. Many ancient churches have survived, and new ones were built in the 20th and 21st centuries, rivaling the ancient ones in significance and beauty.

Many are dedicated to the Mother of God, as Iberia is considered the first province of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

A Little History

There are four appanages of the Most Holy Theotokos on planet Earth:

- Iberia;

- Mount Athos (Greece);

- Kiev-Pechersk Lavra in Ukraine;

- Seraphim-Diveyevo Monastery in Russia.

In 44 AD, the persecution of Christians began in Jerusalem. The Holy Apostles traveled to other countries and cities to preach the Holy Gospel. By lot, the Mother of God was assigned to Iberia.

But at the command of the Lord, St. Andrew the First-Called went to preach the word of God to ancient Iberia, bringing with him the Icon of the Mother of God Not Made by Hands.

Among the churches of the Most Holy Theotokos in Georgia:

- Cathedral of the Blachernae Icon of the Mother of God in Zugdidi;

- Cathedral of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos in Batumi;

- Holy Dormition Church in the Borjomi region;

- Church of the Miraculous Iveron Icon of the Mother of God on Mount Makhata (Tbilisi);

- Church of the Holy Mother of God in Khichauri (Adjara).

Khichauri

The village of Khichauri is located in the Shuakhevi Municipality of Adjara. It is 60 km from Batumi and about 6 km from Shaukhevi. During Soviet times, a KGB border detachment was stationed here.

After the withdrawal of Soviet troops, all residential and other buildings, including the vehicle depot, were handed over to local residents. A temporary church was housed in the former company commander's quarters.

Later, the Church of the Holy Mother of God was built on the site of the former parade ground. Although this church is modern, it was built in the ancient style.

In 2009, St. Tbel Abuseridze University was opened in the village under the auspices of the Georgian Orthodox Church.

What else to see in Khichauri

What to see in Georgia, particularly in mountainous Adjara?

One of the new tourist routes leads to the Shuakhevi Municipality. The area around the village of Khichauri and the town of Shuakhevi has many interesting sights. In these areas, inquisitive tourists will see ancient structures:

- arched stone bridges:

• Tamariskhidi in Makho,
• Dandalo,
• Vardzhanauli,
• Khabelashvilebi.

- fortresses:

• Kaviani,
• Otolta.

- an old mill.

Photo source: georgiantravelguide.com