Abkhazia is among the first countries where Christianity was spread. In the 1st century A.D. Saint Andrew, Simon the Canaanite and Apostle Matthew arrived in Abkhazia to preach Christianity. It was over two thousand years that Christianity faced many enemies. The followers of Christianity were persecuted in the days of the Roman Empire, Ottoman Empire and Soviet Union. However, the only religion which survived in the Caucasus was Christianity. The first church community was created in Pitiunt in the 4th century A.D. (modern-day Pitsunda). The most ancient Christian churches are located in Pitsunda. On the territory of Abkhazia there are temples which never interrupted worship, even in the most difficult of times. One such temple is located in the village of Ilor. The worship was served even during the Soviet Period. The temple at Ilor is one of the most popular temples visiting by tourists among the current churches in Abkhazia. In the village of Likhny, there is also a temple of Saint Mary. It is the only temple on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus which was able to preserve its original appearance. The roof of the temple was made of tile. Such sacred places like the Cathedral of the Saint and Apostle Andrew in Pitsunda, the temple of Saint Mary in Mokva and the cathedral of St. Panteleimon in New Athos, are all examples of Christian architecture in Abkhazia. Valuable relics and monuments were kept in many temples. There’s an ancient golden bowl dated back to 990 in the Bedia temple. It’s decorated with figures of the Savior, Saint Mary and the Apostles. In the 19th century, the monastery was built in New Athos. It’s famous not only in Abkhazia, but also far beyond its borders. One hundred and sixty temples were built in Abkhazia. Nowadays, parishioners can attend 16 current temples. The history of Christian monuments, temples, cathedrals, monasteries and descriptions of the lives of the Saints can be found on our website. Articles, illustrated with pictures, written on the base of the Holy Metropolis of Abkhazia.
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Фотоальбом, издание 2-е, дополненное. Монастырь святого апостола Симона Кананита на Новом Афоне, 2013 г. — 120 с.
Издатель — И. Платонов. Составитель текста — иеромонах Андрей (Ампар). Автор фотографий —…
Монастырь святого апостола Симона Кананита на Новом Афоне. Храмовая роспись. Новый Афон, 2010. — 96 с.
Руководитель проекта — иеромонах Андрей (Ампар). Автор проекта — А. Токарев, И. Автор текста —…
The Sacred Places of Abkhazia. The Orthodox Churches and Monasteries. Abkhazia, 2010. – 128 p.
This publication is blessed by the hierarchy of the Monastery of St. Apostle Simon the Zealot…
