Lomisi St. George Church

Standing high on the ridge of the Greater Caucasus watershed at an elevation of roughly 2,200 meters, Lomisi St. George Church marks a historical borderland between the Aragvi and Ksani river valleys. This medieval shrine functions as a major spiritual center for the mountain communities of Mtiuleti and Ksanis Kheoba. The complex is characterized by its stark stone masonry, built to withstand freezing high-altitude winters, and remains an active place of worship cared for by a small monastic community.

The Legend of Lomisi and the Miracle of the Ox

The foundation of the shrine is deeply tied to 13th-century regional history during the Mongol invasions. Local accounts tell of thousands of captives from the Aragvi valley freed through the intercession of St. George. An ox named Loma led the returning people back into the mountains, carrying an icon of the saint. The animal climbed to the top of the ridge and died at the summit, indicating where the church should stand. Inside the hall church, visitors can see a massive 70-kilogram iron chain. Monks and pilgrims place this ancient chain over their shoulders as a traditional act of penance and silent prayer.

Architecture and the Annual Lomisoba Celebration

The primary structure is a simple hall church dating back to the 9th or 10th century. It features low stone ceilings, thick walls built from roughly dressed local basalt, and small windows designed to keep out the elements. Surrounding the church are ruins of old stone cells and defensive walls. Every spring, on the Wednesday of the seventh week after Easter, thousands of people gather here for Lomisoba. This ancient festival blends traditional Christian liturgy with pre-Christian highland customs, making it one of the most culturally significant annual gatherings in the Georgian highlands.