Georgian Church Resumes Construction After Miracle

Deacon David Jishkariani at the consecration of the foundation of the temple. Photo: UOJ-Georgia

This story was originally published as an exclusive by UOJ's Georgian branch.

TBILISI — The idea of the construction of the church began back in 2003 — a decision preceded by a miracle connected to Archimandrite Sograti.

At that time, 46-year-old Baadur Gigiaze was diagnosed through a CT scan with a malignant tumor spreading to his internal organs. Doctors decided that an urgent and extremely complex operation was necessary. Before the surgery, Fr. Sograti prayed several times over the patient, after which Baadur’s severe pain subsided. During the operation, doctors discovered that he had been completely healed.

Gigiaze invited representatives of UOJ-Georgia to the ceremony for the blessing of the church’s foundation, announcing that construction would officially resume after being halted. Ukrainian pilgrims also attended the blessing, calling it a great honor.

Deacon David Jishkariani:

“Construction of this church began 15 years ago with the blessing of His Holiness and Beatitude, but for various reasons it was halted. Today we have resumed it, and active work will now begin. The church is dedicated to Ss. Panteleimon the Healer and John the Baptist. It was originally planned to be named for St. John the Baptist, but later it was decided that it should also bear the name of Saint Panteleimon the Healer. It is symbolic that the church is being built in the courtyard of the Oncology Hospital — we hope construction will soon be completed. Glory and thanks to God that after so many years the restoration has begun.”

Baadur Gigiaze:

“First of all, I want to thank Kote Mardaleishvili and Rezo Gagua for saving my life — they were the heads of the Oncology Hospital at the time. When I survived, His Holiness, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, together with Fr. Sograti, said, ‘A church should be built where Ioane (Baadur) was saved.’ A blessing was given to build a church in honor of Ss. Panteleimon the Healer and John the Baptist. Unfortunately, due to health issues I later faced abroad, construction was halted.

Some may think I abandoned it, but for me, this is a great grace from God. Before the operation, my family asked Dr. Gagua if I would survive. He answered, ‘If he comes out of the operating room within half an hour, it means he won’t make it.’ Indeed, half an hour later I came out, and everyone thought I had died — but Dr. Gagua said, ‘Everything is fine; he survived and will live long.’

Before the surgery, Archimandrite Sograti came to my hospital room, though his own hand was in pain. He lifted me from the bed three times and said that the illness no longer existed. That day, Fr. Sograti blessed 124 hospital rooms, even though he was in great discomfort moving around. I want to thank everyone who stood by me and thank you for coming to report on this story.”

The church, to be built in honor of St. Panteleimon the Healer and St. John the Baptist, is planned within the courtyard of the Oncology Center — a place where many patients seek help and hope. From now on, as the deacon said, this site will be associated with special grace and prayer.

Previously, UOJ reported that a procession dedicated to the commemoration of St. Gabriel of Georgia took place.

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