A village church whose dedication is known two ways: it is referred to both as a church of Saint Mary and as a church of Saint Marine. The two saints are different, and the confusion is understandable: in Georgian pronunciation Mariam and Marine sound close, and village memory passes a name on by word of mouth. Both names run side by side and we will not choose between them.
The church is known by Zemo Khodasheni yet stands in the village of Atsquri west of Telavi. A caution in passing: Kakhetian Atsquri has nothing to do with Atskuri in Samtskhe Javakheti, where the fortress and the famous cathedral stand. Only the name coincides. The same village holds two more churches, of the Annunciation and of the Mother of God. The date of building is not established.
The parish is rural and services are infrequent. Dress modestly, women wear a headscarf. The three churches of Atsquri can be seen in one visit, no more than a kilometre apart.
📍 In brief
- A village church referred to both as Saint Mary and as Saint Marine
- The village of Atsquri west of Telavi, in the residential part
- Not Atskuri in Samtskhe Javakheti with its fortress and cathedral
🚗 Getting there
- Landmark - the village of Atsquri west of Telavi; the church stands in the residential part
- For navigation tap Build Route
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