Ancient capital of Georgia to be blessed on Annunciation-Holy Saturday

A solemn ceremony of the blessing of the ancient capital city of Mtskheta will be celebrated this year on the double feast of the Annunciation-Holy Saturday, reports News-Georgia.

The ceremonies will begin with the festive Divine Liturgy in the historic Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in the city of Mtskheta, followed by a procession during which the streets of the city will be sprinkled with Holy Water.

“According to the testament of Catholicos-Patriarch Melchizedek I, the Annunciation was established as the day for blessing the holy capital of Mtskheta in the 11th century. This tradition was restored several years ago. This year, with the blessing of His Holiness, following the episcopal service in Svetitskoveli, the clergy will consecrate the holy capital of Mtskheta,” Archdeacon Demetre said during a service at the Holy Trinity-Sameba Cathedral in Tbilisi.

Mtskheta was founded in the 5th century BC. According to tradition, it was founded by the legendary Mtskhetos, who is believed to be one of the descendants of Noah. The throne of the Georgian Patriarch was located in Mtskheta for a long time. In addition to the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the city is also home to the holy Samtavro Monastery, where the relics of the beloved 20th century elder St. Gabriel (Urgebadze) lie in repose.

Source: Orthochristian.com