A village church of Saint Tevdore. In Georgia the name points to two venerated figures at once. The first is the early Christian Saint Theodore, a soldier and martyr whose name is carried by churches across the Orthodox world. The second is the Georgian priest Tevdore, remembered for the tradition that he led an enemy detachment away from the king at the cost of his life. Which tradition stands behind this dedication is not specified, and we will not choose: both are plausible for a Kakhetian village.
Ruispiri lies in the Alazani valley north-west of Telavi, among vineyards. This is another church of the village after Saint Nicholas and Mamadaviti, while the fourth, a hall church of the Mother of God, stands by neighbouring Karajala. The century of building is not established.
The church is in use with few services. Dress modestly, women wear a headscarf. If the doors are locked, ask about the time in the village.
📜 Facts
- A village church of Saint Tevdore, the third in Ruispiri
- The Alazani valley north-west of Telavi
- The name Tevdore belongs both to an early Christian soldier saint and to a Georgian priest martyr
🚗 Getting there
- Landmark - the middle of Ruispiri village north-west of Telavi
- For navigation tap Build Route
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