Church of Saint Abo Tbileli (Tbilisi)

About this activity

Church of Saint Abo Tbileli (Tbilisi)

Overview

Situated humbly at the foot of the imposing Metekhi cliff, near the banks of the Mtkvari River in Tbilisi, lies the Church (or Chapel) dedicated to Saint Abo Tbileli. This small, relatively modern structure holds immense spiritual significance for the city, as it marks the traditional site associated with the martyrdom of Tbilisi’s beloved patron saint in the 8th century. It stands distinct from, yet historically connected to, the famous Metekhi Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary perched on the cliff high above.

Saint Abo, originally an Arab perfumer from Baghdad named Habib, arrived in Kartli (Eastern Georgia) in the entourage of the ruling prince Nerse in the latter half of the 8th century. Impressed by the Christian faith he witnessed, he converted, facing significant danger during a period of Arab rule in Tbilisi. Despite warnings and threats, Abo remained steadfast in his faith, openly preaching Christianity. He was imprisoned, likely within the fortress complex that existed on the Metekhi cliff at that time, before being condemned to death. On January 6th, 786 AD, he was executed, and according to the contemporary account by Ioane Sabanisdze, his body was burned, and the ashes thrown into the Mtkvari River near this location. Miracles, such as a pillar of light appearing over the site, were reported.

While the prominent Metekhi Church on the cliff dates back centuries, this specific structure dedicated to St. Abo is a much more recent addition to Tbilisi’s sacred landscape, likely built in the late 20th or early 21st century. Its purpose is purely commemorative and devotional – to provide a dedicated place of prayer and remembrance at the very spot intertwined with the final moments and martyrdom of the city’s heavenly protector. It serves as a poignant reminder of Tbilisi’s deep Christian roots and the sacrifices made to preserve the faith. Its location near the bustling Metekhi Bridge and the Avlabari district places this sacred memorial right in the flow of modern city life, yet calls back to a crucial period in Tbilisi’s history.

Basic Identification

• Full Name: Church (or Chapel) of Saint Abo Tbileli (of Tbilisi). Georgian: წმინდა აბო თბილელის სახელობის ტაძარი / სამლოცველო (Tsminda Abo Tbilelis Sakhelobis Tadzari / Samlotsvelo).
• Type: Church or Chapel (Georgian Orthodox).
• Location: Located at the base of the Metekhi cliff, near the left bank of the Mtkvari River and the Metekhi Bridge. Situated in the Avlabari district of Tbilisi, Georgia, directly below the main Metekhi Church complex and the statue of Vakhtang Gorgasali.

Historical Background

• Founding: The current church/chapel is a modern structure, likely built in the late 20th or early 21st century, specifically to commemorate the traditional site of St. Abo’s martyrdom. It does not date back to the time of the saint himself.
• Key Dates & Events:

• January 6, 786 AD: Martyrdom of St. Abo Tbileli near this location after imprisonment in the Metekhi fortress complex.
• Late 20th/Early 21st Century: Construction of the present commemorative chapel/church.

• Historical Figures: Saint Abo Tbileli (8th-century Christian martyr, Patron Saint of Tbilisi). Ioane Sabanisdze (contemporary hagiographer who documented St. Abo’s life and martyrdom).
• Legends: The historical account of St. Abo’s life includes reports of miracles associated with his martyrdom site, such as a pillar of light, reinforcing the sanctity of the location.

Significance and Purpose

• Religious Importance: Extremely significant as the marker of the traditional martyrdom site of Tbilisi’s patron saint. It is a place of deep veneration and prayer for Orthodox Georgians, particularly on St. Abo’s feast day (January 8th Old Style / January 21st New Style).
• Cultural Importance: Embodies the city’s reverence for its patron saint and its connection to its early Christian history under challenging political circumstances (Arab rule).
• Architectural Importance: As a modern structure, its architectural value is primarily symbolic and functional rather than historical in the context of ancient Georgian monuments. It reflects contemporary Georgian ecclesiastical building practices.
• Current Status: An active Orthodox church/chapel used for prayer and commemorative services.

Architectural and Artistic Description

• Exterior: A small-scale church or chapel, likely constructed from brick or dressed stone. Its design probably follows modern interpretations of traditional Georgian church architecture, possibly featuring a simple gable roof or a small central dome/cupola. Its position is notable, nestled between the base of the cliff and the river embankment road.
• Interior: A compact space designed for individual prayer and potentially small liturgical gatherings or prayer services (paraklisi). It would contain an altar area (sanctuary) and likely modern iconography.
• Artworks: The interior is expected to feature contemporary icons, prominently depicting Saint Abo Tbileli, the Virgin Mary, and Christ. Modern frescoes or wall paintings might also adorn the space. There are no ancient artworks within this modern structure.
• Complex: The site essentially consists of the chapel/church building itself, occupying a small footprint near the river.

Practical Visitor Information

• Note: This site is separate and distinct from the main Metekhi Church located on the cliff above.
• Opening Hours: As a small chapel, it may be open daily for personal prayer, but opening hours might be less predictable than larger churches. Access could depend on local parish arrangements or service schedules.
• Admission Fees: Free. Donations are likely welcomed.
• Accessibility: Located at street level near the river embankment and Metekhi Bridge, making it relatively easy to reach on foot compared to the clifftop church. However, the entrance itself likely involves steps.
• Rules and Etiquette:

• Dress Code: Standard Georgian Orthodox dress code is required: women should cover their heads and wear skirts/dresses below the knee, with shoulders covered; men should wear long trousers and have covered shoulders.
• Photography/Videography: Given its small size and devotional purpose, it’s essential to ask for permission before taking photos inside. Avoid flash photography and be respectful of anyone praying.
• Behavior: Maintain a quiet and reverent demeanor appropriate for a holy site dedicated to the city’s patron saint.

• Facilities: No dedicated visitor facilities (restrooms, shops, etc.) are expected to be part of this small chapel. Public facilities can be found in the surrounding tourist areas of Old Tbilisi and Avlabari.
• Service Times: Prayer services (paraklisi) dedicated to St. Abo are likely held, especially around his feast day (Jan 8/21). A regular schedule of Divine Liturgy might be limited due to its size; confirmation would require local inquiry.