The Thirteen Assyrian Fathers were a group of ascetics who came to Georgia in the sixth century and founded monasteries across the country, from David Gareji to Shio-Mghvime. Their collective veneration is firm, yet churches dedicated to all thirteen at once are few.
The parish in Khidistavi is one of them. There is a nuance with the name: the site is also referred to as the church of the Elevation of the Cross, and we will not choose between the two versions. The village lies south-west of Gori, at the foot of the same ridge that holds Tsedisi and Bnavisi.
The parish is active and the community noticeable. No dating has become attached to the building. Dress soberly, with a headscarf for women at the entrance. Neighbouring villages keep their own churches, and the whole cluster can be covered in one outing.
📜 Facts
- A church of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers, also called the Elevation of the Cross
- The eastern part of Khidistavi village, Gori Municipality
- The Assyrian Fathers came to Georgia in the sixth century
🚗 Getting there
- Landmark: south-west of Gori, the eastern part of Khidistavi village
- The Build Route button will show the exact way
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