SAMEBA CATHEDRAL (OF THE TRINITY)

At the top of the Avlabari metro, you must take Meskhichvili street to climb to the Saméba Cathedral, seat of the Orthodox Church of Georgia. This lofty 84 m structure in néomédiéval or néonational style was financed by the Georgian billionaire Boris Ivanichvili; its construction began in the early 2000 s, its underground part barely finished. This pride in Orthodox renewal in Georgia is highly controversial; first of all by many Orthodox who believe sin that having built a church larger than the traditional shrines Svétitskhovéli and Alaverdi. Many Georgians find it unsuitable for Georgian spirituality, imperialist and cold. Moreover, it was built in the heart of the Armenian quarter, right on the Armenian cemetery of the city (the Armenian Pantheon was partially damaged by terrassement, it is now at one end of the huge complex). The Armenian community therefore protested at the violation of its heritage; it has lived as a provocation to the erection of the centre of Orthodox Georgian power in the heart of its neighbourhood. Now, Meshkhichvili Street is a real breakthrough of Orthodox pilgrims, which is developing with religious icons and accessories, through the ghetto. We really need to get there - whether we are greedy or not - to see the splendour and richness of this complex, which, incidentally, has aspects of Tibetan monastery, with its large terrace dominating the entire valley. The interior of the church is marbled, treasures compete. In the basement, a crypt almost as large as the top room, which also receives offices. Saméba surpassed Sioni as the seat of the Orthodox Patriarchate and all political-religious ceremonies are taking place here. At an official celebration, there will be a forum before Parliament before the whole delegation goes to Saméba.