The Marian church is the second of the two shrines of Ratevani. In Georgia a dedication to the Mother of God is nearly always tied to a patronal feast: here it is the Dormition, Mariamoba in Georgian, at the end of August.
Ratevani lies in the hills north-west of Bolnisi, and both its churches stand on the same street, closer to its upper end. For a small village this is a rare sight: two working churches within a short walk. On ordinary days it is very quiet, and the animation comes with the feasts.
This is a parish church, opened for services. Dress soberly, women bring a headscarf. To catch the village alive, come for Mariamoba: on that day even those who moved to the city long ago return.
๐ Facts
- A Marian church whose patronal feast is the Dormition
- The upper end of Ratevani village, Bolnisi Municipality
- The St. George church of the same village stands lower down the street
๐ Getting there
- Landmark: Ratevani village north-west of Bolnisi; the church sits nearer the upper edge of the settlement
- The navigator opens with the Build Route button
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