Healing of Soul and Body

Monastery of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos in Borjomi

A holy place of prayer, memory, and spiritual consolation

In the picturesque Borjomi Gorge, among the mountains of the Caucasus and the famous Borjomi mineral springs, there is an active women’s monastery of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos.

The monastery is located directly in the city of Borjomi. The main church of the monastery is dedicated to the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos. The church building dates back to 1865 and belongs to the Georgian Orthodox Church.

A place with an ancient monastic history

The monastery’s significance is further enhanced by its connection to the ancient monastic tradition of the Borjomi Gorge.

Not far from Borjomi is the ancient archaeological site of Berisakdреби (Berebis Saqdrebi). Research has shown that a medieval church and burial complex with an underground crypt once existed here.

During archaeological and anthropological research, numerous human remains were discovered. Scientists studied the surviving remains, including 619 skulls. The materials from these studies are now kept in the Monastery of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos in Borjomi under the supervision of the monastery.

For a pilgrim, this place is above all a reminder of Christian asceticism, of monasticism, prayer, and the memory of people who dedicated their lives to God.

The ossuary and testimonies of healings

One of the special features of a pilgrimage visit to the monastery is the opportunity to venerate the place where the remains of ancient monks are kept.

According to monastic tradition, monks who suffered martyrdom during ancient attacks on the monastic communities of the Borjomi Gorge rest here. The memory of their feat is preserved in the monastery, and pilgrims come here with prayer, asking for help in illnesses, sorrows, and various life circumstances.

According to the testimonies of the monastery’s servants, healings have repeatedly occurred through prayers to the martyred monks. There are accounts of cases when people who turned with faith and prayer received help and relief in their ailments.

These testimonies are passed down in the monastery as a manifestation of God’s mercy through the prayers of the martyred monks. Therefore, for many pilgrims, visiting the ossuary becomes not only an acquaintance with the history of ancient monasticism but also a special moment of prayer — for health, spiritual strengthening, help for loved ones, and healing from illnesses.

At the same time, the Church reminds us that a Christian turns with prayer and hope above all to God, and the help received is perceived by believers not as something magical, but as a manifestation of God’s will and mercy.

The Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos

The main patronal feast of the monastery is the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, celebrated by the Orthodox Church on September 21 according to the new calendar.

For an Orthodox person, the feast of the Nativity of the Mother of God has special significance. It was through the Most Holy Virgin Mary that the Savior — our Lord Jesus Christ — was revealed to the world.

Therefore, visiting a monastery dedicated to the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos is not merely an acquaintance with a historical monument. It is an opportunity to step away from the bustle of everyday life and turn to God — to pray, light a candle, confess, partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ, venerate the monastery’s shrines, and in the ossuary — with prayer, receive anointing with consecrated oil. Here pilgrims can offer prayers for the health of soul and body, for healing from ailments, for their relatives and loved ones, and turn to the Most Holy Theotokos, asking for Her intercession, help, and protection.

Pilgrimage to Borjomi

The pilgrimage spiritual and educational center Andcross includes visits to the Orthodox shrines of the Borjomi Gorge in its pilgrimage programs.

We strive to show pilgrims not only the beauty of Georgia but above all its spiritual heritage — ancient monasteries, churches, places of prayerful asceticism, and shrines.

A visit to the Monastery of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos in Borjomi can become one of the important stops on a pilgrimage route — a place of prayer for health, spiritual consolation, and contact with the centuries-old history of Orthodox monasticism.

“Most Holy Theotokos, save us!”

Most Holy Theotokos, Most Pure Mother of God! With faith and hope we turn to You. Cover us with Your holy protection, defend us from all evil, and strengthen us in the Orthodox faith. Ask the Lord to grant us health of soul and body, consolation in sorrows, strength in weaknesses, and healing in illnesses. Do not leave us without Your merciful intercession, and by Your prayers lead us to Christ, Your Son and our God. Amen.

May your stay in this holy place bring every pilgrim peace in the soul, strengthening in faith, and God’s help.

Pilgrimage spiritual and educational center Andcross.

Physical anthropology — documents on archaeological excavations at the monastery

https://chronos.ihe.tsu.ge/index.php/journal/article/download/120/113?utm_source=

Saint Gabriel Urgebadze: Life as a Witness of Love

Every corner of our planet possesses its own unique beauty. Yet the greatest wealth of any nation lies in its people—those whose hearts are filled with faith, mercy, and a readiness to serve their neighbors.

A special place in Christian history belongs to Georgia—an ancient land which Orthodox tradition calls the first inheritance of the Holy Mother of God. Throughout the centuries the Georgian people have remained faithful to Christ despite wars, persecutions, and severe trials.

Among Georgian saints are kings and queens, monks, clergy, and ordinary laypeople. For the sake of faith they renounced power and worldly blessings, endured suffering, and even death. Their feat became a spiritual pillar of the nation, and the memory of them continues to live in the hearts of believers.

One of the most venerated Georgian saints of our time is Venerable Gabriel Urgebadze. He devoted his life to God and to people, secretly helping the needy and striving to conceal his good deeds. Choosing the path of foolishness for Christ’s sake, the elder avoided human glory and humbled himself before others.

Behind the unusual nature of his actions lay deep wisdom, spiritual foresight, and sincere love. People felt the grace emanating from him and came for prayer, counsel, and consolation. Beside the elder they found hope, were strengthened in faith, and gained the strength to change their lives.

Saint Gabriel proclaimed love not merely in words, but above all through his entire life. By his own example he taught people mercy, sincere forgiveness, and self‑sacrificial service to their neighbors. For his boundless kindness, profound humility, and devotion to God, the elder earned special love and veneration from the Georgian people.

People often ponder what true happiness is. The spiritual experience of the elder reminds us: it is born where enmity and judgment disappear, where good overcomes evil, and human hearts open to God’s grace. True happiness is peace of soul, faith, forgiveness, and love for one another.

Saint Gabriel left behind an invaluable spiritual legacy—a living example of humility, mercy, and fidelity to Christ. Today people from different countries turn to him, and his life continues to inspire good deeds, bearing witness that sincere love for God and neighbor can transform the world.

Venerable Gabriel Urgebadze still prayerfully blesses Georgia and all who turn to him in faith.

Holy Venerable Father Gabriel, pray to God for us! Through your holy prayers may the Lord grant to all who seek your help with faith the healing of soul and body, strengthening in sorrows, and consolation in trials. Teach us love, humility, and mercy; help us keep peace in our hearts, forgive our neighbors, and steadfastly follow Christ all the days of our lives.

Amen.