Abkhazia is not only amazing nature and gentle sea, but also a rich history. Those who go on pilgrimage tours to Abkhazia know that this country was one of the first to spread Christianity (the apostles Simon the Cananite and Andrew the First-Called preached here).
Every year there are more and more pilgrims who want to visit places associated with the birth of Christianity in this land. Tour operators often offer travelers to combine sea vacations with pilgrimage trips to Abkhaz cities.
Top 15 interesting places in Abkhazia
Ilor temple
Saint George is considered the patron saint of the temple. The glory of the temple was brought by gold and silver liturgical bowls and vessels, but at the moment only a small part of these treasures is kept here. In this working temple, anyone can attend the service, and next to it, find a source of healing water.
Church of St. John Chrysostom in Comany
The temple, on the territory of which John Chrysostom was buried, is visited annually by up to 50,000 tourists and pilgrims. Here, the tomb of the saint and the icon with a particle of his relics deserve special attention. Nearby, from a karst spring (it is located at the site of the death of Saint Basilisk), water gushes in a spring, which relieves of many ailments.
Assumption Church in Lykhny
Here pilgrims worship the icon "The Sign", inspect the tomb of the Abkhaz prince, and also admire the fresco paintings of the 15-16th centuries. Behind the temple, they will find a two-tiered bell tower from the 19th century.
New Athos
The most famous shrine of New Athos is the monastery of the Apostle Simon the Canaanite. Pilgrims are offered to reach it from the Intercession Church along the path of sinners, which is lined with cypresses and lined with stones. It is believed that whoever walks along it will “cast off” all sins from himself.
The monastery complex (in order to visit it, women should take into account that they must cover their heads and put on long-length clothes) include six temples, among which the following are worth highlighting:
- Panteleimon Cathedral: in the temple (which is a neo-Byzantine building) you will be able to venerate the miraculous icon of Panteleimon the healer and admire the painted walls (blue, golden and brown tones prevail on the frescoes).
- Church of the Ascension of the Lord: through this temple there is a gate (they are richly decorated with carvings) to the monastery complex.
In addition, those who wish will be offered to visit the grotto of Simon the Canaanite. On the way to the grotto, they will see the imprint of a human foot - it is revered by believers, as a trace left by Simon the Canaanite. It will be possible to get to the entrance of the grotto by steps cut for pilgrims. In the cave, which is illuminated by icon lamps and candles, they will find icon-painting and mosaic holy images.
