Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Expats Land

Orthodox cathedral built between 1898 and 1903. However, it looks like a Catholic church and has a rich history.

First, let's go back in history. In 1878, the Russo-Turkish War ended. According to the peace treaty, Adjara became part of the Russian Empire. At that time, the Empire was tolerant of other religions, and foreigners could settle wherever they wanted and believe in whatever they wanted.

Thus, many Catholics came to Batumi, and there was a need for a church. Believers asked for permission to build it, and the funds were raised by parishioners.

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Construction

Most of the funds were provided by oil industrialist Stefan Zubalashvili - his mother Elizabeth, who had passed away, had wished for a Catholic church.

Stefan invited Italian masters to design and paint the church. The work was completed in 1902, and the cathedral was consecrated in 1903.

Further History

After joining the Soviet Union, the church was confiscated. They wanted to demolish it, but the public was against it, and writer Konstantin Gamsakhurdia supported them.

As a result, the church was used for economic purposes. It housed an archive, a high-voltage laboratory, and was featured in Tengiz Abuladze's film "Repentance," for example, with high-voltage installations installed inside the church.

In the 1970s, the church was restored and soon transferred to the Georgian Orthodox Church. On May 16, 1989, it was consecrated, and 5,000 people were baptized there. The rector was appointed David Shiolashvili, who was raised to the rank of Archpriest. Thus, the church became a cathedral, a place where the bishop presides and the main temple of the diocese.

On February 21, 2021, the cathedral was included in the list of cultural heritage sites, historical and cultural monuments of Batumi.

Architecture and Contents

The cathedral itself is built in the neo-Gothic style. Italian architects chose white stone for construction.

Two sculptures - Saint Nino and the Apostle Andrew the First-Called - are located at the entrance. Inside, it is bright, primarily due to the preserved stained glass windows. In addition to stained glass, some frescoes have also been preserved - depicting the earthly path and crucifixion of Christ, the coronation of the Virgin Mary after her ascension to heaven, and stories from the Old and New Testaments.

The ancient Gothic decor is complemented by many Orthodox icons.

Batumi

Batumi is the capital of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara and a port city located on the coast of the Black Sea. It is the main resort of Georgia, the third largest city by area (after Tbilisi and Kutaisi) and the second largest by population.