Tbilisi's Jvari's Mama's Church: A Testament to Georgian Faith

Jvari's Mama's Church, also known as the Church of the Father of the Cross, is a significant religious landmark in Tbilisi, located at 41 Kote Afkhazi Street in the heart of Old Tbilisi. The church's history dates back to the second half of the 5th century when King Vakhtang Gorgasali, the founder of Tbilisi, is said to have built a church on this site, mirroring the architecture of the Lord's tomb on Golgotha. According to legend, King Vakhtang I Gorgasali pointed to the location for the construction of Tbilisi. Another legend claims that Saint Nino, who is associated with the Christianization of Georgia, conducted her activities here. Over the centuries, Jvari's Mama's Church has undergone numerous transformations. It was destroyed in the 14th century by Timur's army and rebuilt in the 16th century. In the 19th century, Abbot Benedict, an episcopate of Bethlehem in Palestine, revitalized the church. During the Soviet era, the church was repurposed as a book warehouse, and its frescoes were painted over. In 1983, a reconstruction project removed adjacent residences and taverns, and the church reopened in 1989. Today, visitors can explore this historical site and admire its architecture, modest decorations, and brick-carved crosses. The interior features vibrant murals, and the church's compact main hall creates a cozy atmosphere. Jvari's Mama's Church is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of Georgia's rich religious and cultural heritage.