Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
/
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral reflected in the Mtkvari River with Iron Mountain in the background
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is probably one of the best known religious sites in Georgia. Construction began on the original foundations in the mid-6th century with a small church completed sometime around 580 A.D. Later in the 11th century the structure that stands in the old capital of Mtskheta was completed.
Considered on the the most reverent sites in Georgia, the church is said to contain the burial robe of Jesus interred beneath what is now called the "Pillar of Life Giving Miracles." According to Georgian tradition, after the crucifixion of Jesus, Christ's robe was obtained by Jewish travelers from Mtskheta. Around the 4th century, Rabbi Eliaz brought the robe to Mtskheta with him. Hearing the robe was being brought to her city, Sister Sidonia met the Rabbi at the city gate. Begging to see the robe, he allowed her to hold it. Sister Sidonia was so moved by the experience she clasped the robe to her chest and died.
Unable to remove the robe clutched in her hand, Sister Sidonia was interred in the garden still holding the robe. Later a "cedar of Lebanon" - a species of tree native to Mount Lebanon (also called God's Cedars) - grew from her grave and under St. Nino's instructors was cut to make the first pillar for the new church. After cutting all day the cedar failed to fall and could not be moved, only levitating above the tree's stump. St. Nino began to pray, the skies darkened and night fell. The cedar continued to levitate but moved into position on its own and formed the first support for the church that exists today.
Fresco above the main door to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
Pagan symbols adorn the church walls and serves as an invitation to early Pagans to join the Christians
"Pilliar of Life Giving Miracles" under which the robe of Jesus is said to have been buried.
Frescos on the north side of the "Pillar of Life Giving Miracles"
Fresco from the east side of the "Pillar of Life Giving Miracles" dating from 1678
Portrait of St. Nino
Fresco from the top of a support column in the central hall of the church
The remnants of the original fresco from the south wall which include graphic representations to Psalms 148 and a rare circular design showing the signs of the Zodiac surrounding Saints and Jesus.
Psalms 148
1. Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. 2. Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts. 3. Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. 4. Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. 5. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for at his command they were created, 6. and he established them for ever and ever - he issued a decree that will never pass away. 7. Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, 8. lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, 9. you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, 10. wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, 11. kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, 12. young men and women, old men and children. 13. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his spender is above the earth and heavens. 14. And he has raised up for his people a horn (the use of the word horn in this instance symbolizes strength), the praise of all his faithful servants, of Israel, the people close to his heart. Praise the Lord. (NIV)
The front alter of the church
Fresco above the alter.
The Pillar from the South doorway