Ah, welcome to the marvelous Saint George's Church in Tbilisi! If you look to your right, you'll spot it easily: a striking building with a conical blue dome standing tall among the surrounding rooftops. The church’s brick structure and distinctive dome make it stand out in the picturesque landscape of Tbilisi. It's right there, nestled among the other charming buildings, kissed by the Georgian sun.
Now, imagine stepping back into the 13th century. This isn't your average ancient church. The Saint George's Church, known in Armenian as Surb Gevorg, and in Georgian as sur′pgevork′i, is an Armenian cathedral that’s bursting with history. Legend has it, this church was founded way back in 1251, based on an inscription on a khachkar (that's a carved Armenian cross-stone) found over the western door of the church yard.
But wait, that's not all - our beloved Armenian historians Hovsep Orbeli and Levon Melikset-Bek argue it was built by Prince Umek of Karin (Erzurum). According to these tales, Umek wasn't just any prince; he was a merchant who hit the jackpot and married into royalty. Talk about a rags-to-riches story! Then again, the Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Georgia believes that it might have been founded as early as 631 AD. So, who knows, it might have been serving the faithful since before your great-great-great-great (add a few more 'greats') grandfather was born.
The church has had quite the adventure. It was captured by Persian forces in 1616, but later restored to the Armenian community in 1748. In 1795, it was burnt when Persians sacked Tbilisi, but that didn't stop it. Like a phoenix, it rose from the ashes with multiple restorations in the 17th century, then in 1832 and 1881. Its most recent facelift started in 2012, thanks to a fundraising effort that gathered around $3.5 million. Donors included some big names, and the church was reconsecrated in 2015 with a huge ceremony attended by VIPs.
Inside, the church is adorned with frescoes and paintings, including works by the 18th-century artist Hovnatan Hovnatanian and early 20th-century painter Gevorg Bashinjaghian. The interior decorations tell stories of faith and history that have been cherished by generations of congregants.
In the courtyard, you'll find the graves of notable figures like Sayat-Nova, a poet and musician celebrated in Georgian and Armenian heritage. The church's rich history is also marked by the resting places of various Russian generals of Armenian heritage.
So, soak in the history, the culture, and the sheer resilience of Saint George's Church, Tbilisi's gem that has stood the test of time and trials, continuing to be a beacon of faith and community. Enjoy your time here, and don't forget to snap a few pictures!
