Ilorsky temple, whose patron saint is St. George, is a shrine where many Christians come to establish a dialogue with God. It is considered an example of Georgian architecture of the 11th century. Located in the village of Ilor, not far from Ochamchira.
Description
Ilorsky temple consists of a church, as well as utility rooms. The building is built of white stone. There is only one hall, the inner altar is made in the form of a semicircle. There is also a ceiling of stone arched vault supported by pilasters.
There are three entrances through which you can get into the heart of the church: in the north, south and west. There are also aisles, they were built at different times. On the walls inside there is a medieval painting, its elements belong to the chased art. The masonry of the walls outside contains slabs on which there are images of a cross. The interior decoration here has always been rich and impressive. Around the territory there is a fence made of cobblestones. The bell tower rises above the gate.
History
This is a significant architectural object for western Georgia. The building is quite old. Numerous reconstructions and restorations were carried out here.
For example, in the 17th century, the Ilori temple (Abkhazia) was restored by the Mingrelian prince Levan II from the clanDadiani. In the 19th century, reconstruction work was carried out by the owners of the Megrelian principality in Odishi.
This object is described by many researchers, as well as missionaries, as a building without a dome, small, but quite well and richly decorated. So stated the historian Vakhushti Bagrationi, whose works have come down to us from the 18th century.
Also, the Ilori temple is mentioned in the works of many other researchers, such as Chardin, de Montpere, Brosset, Pavlinov, Bakridze and others. In the 20th century, the local architecture was studied by an art critic from Abkhazia Katsia. On the topic of this issue, his dissertation was compiled as a candidate of sciences, as well as a monograph. He claimed that this object is nothing more than an example of architecture typical of Georgia in the 11th century.
Unexplained
Everyone who is in awe of faith and works of architectural art will surely like Abkhazia, the Ilorsky temple. Father Sergius, a priest serving here, became famous for the fact that he is credited with the ability to cast a demon out of a person. This is one of the many reasons why people come here so often and in droves.
Sometimes people who have lost all faith in the healing of a loved one go to the Ilori temple. Father Sergius is often the only one on whom they can place their hope, and he justifies it. There were cases when it was possible to cure mental illnesses of the most serious degree. Pilgrims also like to visit this place, settling near the church, in rural houses. They take on all kinds of templework.
Features
The internal rules of the temple are quite strict. For example, it is forbidden to take photos and shoot videos here. Women can enter only with a covered head and a skirt. Shorts and caps are not allowed for men.
Earlier, skillfully executed liturgical vessels, an un altared golden cup, which King Bagrat III donated to the church, were kept here. Many interesting and unusual things are told about the Ilor temple. The myrrh-streaming icons are one of such distinctive miracles, which is a gift from Levan Dadiani. Now they are not very often put on public display. It is believed that the faces of the saints cry in this way. When you see this, the impression is truly strong.
Images of saints
The two images here are forged from silver. The oath that was taken before them was considered inviolable and had a sacred meaning. The people said that if she betrayed her, the perjurer would receive a heavy and severe punishment. The fame of the faces of the saints spread throughout the country.
Thanks to such unusual features, the Ilori Temple (Abkhazia) has become such a popular destination. Myrrh-streaming icons and stunning architecture attract large flows of tourists.
Also there is an image of the great martyr named Eustathius Apsilsky. He ruled Apsilia in 738. He was captured by the Arab governor Suleiman ibn Isam. In the city of Haran, martyrdom overtook him. Now you can hear talk about miracles of healing taking place at the relics of the saint.
Interesting thing about the churchSt. George is widely known far beyond the borders of Abkhazia. Travelers and pilgrims come here, believing that the request addressed to God here will surely come true.
There are numerous notes about how life in the temple proceeded. For example, in the 17th century, travelers from Italy visited here, who claimed that various large fairs were held here, to which people came from various regions of the western Caucasus.
Political aspect
The question has been raised many times in the state that cultural and historical values should be under special protection. Ilor Temple is one of them. Complications in this matter are related to the fact that Georgia does not have control over Abkhazia, and, in fact, it cannot dictate its rules to its authorities.
Restoration has been carried out many times in recent years. However, the result was not always positive. For example, a serious conflict broke out between the Abkhaz and Georgian authorities in 2010. The reason for it was that in Georgia it was believed that after the work carried out, the authenticity of the monument of history and architecture suffered. Traditional and peculiar features have been erased from the facade of the building, the current execution resembles a purely Russian style.
A statement by the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs was published, in which the work done was called vandalism. It also called for a h alt to such actions in order to preserve at least the precious historical features left in the territory that once belonged toGeorgia.
Changes
During the restoration work, a dome appeared that never existed. This feature is considered characteristic of Russian church architecture. In addition, the color of the facade became white, the eastern wall was plastered. Previously, there were inscriptions in Georgian, they spoke about the history of the building.
The arches were repainted red, and relief details were added that did not fit in with the national architectural style. The fresco that was previously inside the temple has been whitewashed.
The Abkhazian authorities do not deny that they have made changes to the external and internal appearance of the temple, but they do not agree with what the Georgians call vandalism. In 2011, a meeting was held between the governments of Georgia and Abkhazia, at which the issue of Georgia's participation in the life of the Ilori temple was discussed. However, the response to this proposal was a refusal.
In any case, no matter who manages the shrine, I would like the appearance and content to remain as close as possible to historical accuracy.
