Tetri Giorgi, that is White George, is one of the folk names of Saint George, widespread in Kakheti and the highland districts. The church in Vardisubani carries it together with a second qualifier, dekanozuri: the word comes from dekanozi, a senior priest, though what exactly it means for this church is not explained by local tradition.
Vardisubani stands four kilometres west of Telavi and is known above all for winegrowing and pottery: qvevri, the clay vessels for wine, are made here. The church stands in the built-up part of the village, among the yards. The same village holds two more sanctuaries: a skete on the western edge and a church of Saint Barbara.
There is no schedule of services at the church, but the village is lively and getting inside is usually easy. The usual rules apply: covered shoulders and knees, quiet, and no photography during a service. All three sanctuaries of Vardisubani fit into one walk, standing within two and a half kilometres.
⛪ On site
- A working church of Saint George under the name Tetri Giorgi
- Vardisubani four kilometres west of Telavi, a village of winegrowers and potters
- The village also holds a skete on the western edge and a church of Saint Barbara
🚗 Getting there
- Landmark: Vardisubani village, Telavi municipality; about four kilometres to Telavi
- The Build Route button will take you to the spot
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