Sameba

By Katie Ruth Davies

Sameba (Trinity) Cathedral is a recent addition to the vast collection of churches belonging to the Georgian Orthodox Church. Constructed between 1995 and 2004, it is the third tallest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in the world and one of the largest religious buildings in the world by total area. The height of the cathedral from the ground to the top of the cross is 105,5 meters.

You have two points of entrance to choose from- the one from Avlabari Square and the one from the river bank.

From Avlabari:

This route has two options- one a smooth newly asphalted road and another that will see you clambering over broken asphalt and tree roots, but passing some genuine street-marketers selling their wares- from mandarins to tights; you can find it all on the way up.

You’ll enter the east gate- an unfinished cement structure with various churchy souvenirs for sale, which can also be found within the east entrance of the cathedral itself.

From the River Bank:

Head up the newly cobbled Ascent which winds past the President’s Palace to the main cathedral gate. From here take a breather in the Laghidze Waters café or head straight up the steps.

Don’t forget that men need long trousers and women should ideally cover their hair when entering.

 Inside, you’ll find a large area boasting icons and bibles of various age and glamor, as well as the guilt altar (no access allowed, especially not women). Feel free to wander among the parishioners and other tourists. You’ll see locals crossing themselves, praying from paper prayer books and kissing the glass and frames of various icons, as well as lighting candles which can be bought at the stands inside the entrance (0.20 GEL upwards). Non-flash photography seems to be accepted.

You might spot black boxes at various points around the cathedral- meant for you to put your own written prayers in which the priests will at some point recite to the powers that be.

After you’ve circled round (minding the kids don’t climb on the Patriarch’s throne!), head out into the marble yard. There are nine chapels to see (chapels of the Archangels, John the Baptist, Saint Nino, Saint George, Saint Nicholas, the Twelve Apostles, and All Saints) and a great view over the city. Enjoy!