The monastery in Orkhevi bears the name of St Gregory of Khandzta, one of the teachers of medieval Georgia and a founder of monasteries in Klarjeti. The community is a living one, with monks in residence, which is rare among the local rural shrines, where empty churches and ruins are far more common.
Orkhevi lies in the southern part of Bolnisi Municipality. The neighbouring village is called Samtsevrisi, and it should not be confused with the famous church of the same name in Shida Kartli: these are different places at opposite ends of the country. It is about twenty kilometres from here to Bolnisi, where the ancient Bolnisi Sioni stands.
The usual monastic rules apply: covered shoulders and knees, quiet, and no photography inside without asking. A visit by a large group is best arranged in advance.
⛪ For pilgrims
- A living monastery of St Gregory of Khandzta
- Orkhevi in the south of Bolnisi Municipality
- This Samtsevrisi is not the famous church of Shida Kartli
🚗 Getting there
- Landmark - Orkhevi near Samtsevrisi village, Bolnisi Municipality; about twenty kilometres to Bolnisi
- The Build Route button will show the exact way
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