The Georgian Church Celebrates Svetitskhovloba

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Mtskheta, Georgia [CREDIT: UOJ-MZK]

MTSKHETA — A festive Divine Liturgy was held at the Cathedral in Mtskheta, Svetitskhoveli, on October 14 (New Style). UOJ-Georgia (UOJ-MZK), who began work in September 2025, covered the event, live-streaming the festivities on their Facebook.

The feast was established by the Georgian Orthodox Church in honor of the “Lordly Robe and the God-illuminated and Myrrh-flowing Column.” On this day, the memory of King Mirian and Queen Nana, as well as Saints Sidonia and Abiatara, is also commemorated.

According to legend, the robe of Jesus Christ was entrusted to the Jews of Mtskheta, Elioz and Longinos, who witnessed the Crucifixion. Elioz brought the holy relic to Mtskheta and gave it to his sister, the devout Sidonia, who pressed the robe to her chest and gave up her spirit. Elioz was buried alongside his sister with the robe.

From their grave grew a beautiful tree, which three centuries later, by the order of King Mirian, was cut by carpenters to build a church. From it, seven columns were made, one of which was extraordinary and miraculous, but could not be erected. Only after the prayers of Saint Nino was it raised in the place where Christ’s robe had been buried. The Cathedral of Svetitskhoveli was built there.

UOJ recently reported on the restoration of the renowned Alaverdi Monastery complex in Georgia.

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