Georgian Orthodox Christians gathered in Martvili on September 25 to commemorate Saint George of Chqondidi, a prominent church leader and spiritual adviser to King David IV, known as David the Builder.

Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Shio III led a festive Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Martvili. The service was attended by Metropolitan Stephen of Chqondidi, members of the Holy Synod and other clergy, as well as worshippers from across the Chqondidi Diocese, according to the Georgian Patriarchate’s press service.

Following the liturgy, Patriarch Shio congratulated the congregation on the feast day, blessed the Chqondidi Diocese and thanked Metropolitan Stephen for his service. He presented the metropolitan with a panagia, a bishop’s medallion bearing an image of the Virgin Mary.

In return, Metropolitan Stephen gave the patriarch an icon depicting Saint George of Chqondidi and King David the Builder.

At the metropolitan’s recommendation, the patriarch also honored clergy from the Chqondidi, Tsageri and Lentekhi dioceses. Worshippers received commemorative crosses issued to mark the 1,700th anniversary of Christianity’s proclamation as the state religion of Georgia.

The Martvili Cathedral stands within the grounds of the Martvili Monastery, one of Georgia’s oldest Christian centers, in the western region of Samegrelo. The monastery has a centuries-old history and is associated with the spread of Christianity throughout western Georgia.

The main church is dedicated to the Dormition of the Mother of God. The name “Martvili” is derived from the Greek word for “martyr,” and church tradition connects the site with the preaching of Christianity and the martyrdom of early Christians.

The cathedral has been rebuilt and renovated several times, and the monastery complex preserves architectural features from different historical periods. For centuries, Martvili has remained an important spiritual center in the region.

Saint George of Chqondidi is remembered as one of the closest associates of King David IV, who ruled Georgia in the 12th century. He served as the king’s mentor and spiritual counselor and played a significant role during a period of state consolidation and military reform.

With his support, regular forces were organized to defend Georgia’s borders against the Seljuk Turks. During David’s reign, the Kingdom of Kakheti and several cities were incorporated into the Georgian state.

Saint George died during a military campaign in Ossetia in 1118. The exact location of his burial remains unknown. He was canonized by the Georgian Orthodox Church in 2005.

His feast day is observed with particular solemnity in Martvili, the seat of the Chqondidi Diocese.