Light as a symbol of hope and faith - a photo on Flickriver

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The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta, Georgia, is one of the holiest and oldest churches in the country. Built between 1010 and 1029, this imposing cathedral is a masterpiece of medieval Georgian architecture and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is not only an architectural gem but also a major symbol of religious significance. According to tradition, the cathedral is the burial site of the robe of Christ—the garment Jesus wore during his crucifixion—making it one of the most sacred places in Georgia. Legend has it that a Jewish man from Mtskheta, Elioz, brought the robe back from Jerusalem after the crucifixion. His sister, Sidonia, took the robe into her hands, was overcome with emotion, and died instantly, unable to be separated from it. She was buried holding the robe, and the cathedral was later built on that very spot. Inside the cathedral lies a small chapel, one of the most sacred spaces in the Georgian Orthodox faith. It is believed that beneath this chapel rests Christ’s robe, brought to Mtskheta in the 1st century. The chapel was constructed as a shrine to honor this sacred relic. Its walls are adorned with centuries-old frescoes, which—despite their weathered appearance—still radiate a profound spiritual atmosphere. The chapel is surrounded by flowers and burning candles, showing that it remains an active site of devotion. Worshippers come to pray, light candles, touch the ancient stone walls, or bow their heads in silent reverence—simple yet powerful expressions of faith. This chapel is the heart of the cathedral—both literally and symbolically—and contributes greatly to the mystical atmosphere that makes Svetitskhoveli so special. Whether you are religious or not, there is a sense that something eternal lingers in the air.

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, lighting candles is a deeply symbolic gesture. Each candle represents a prayer—often for a loved one, a saint, or a personal intention. The flame symbolizes the light of Christ, eternal life, and the presence of God in the darkness of the world. It is also a way to participate without words—a silent form of devotion. In the Orthodox tradition, women often cover their heads with a scarf or veil when entering a church. This gesture is inspired by ancient biblical texts and is seen as a sign of reverence and respect for the sacred. Orthodox spirituality is strongly focused on the body and the senses. Icons, incense, singing, and candlelight all contribute to an atmosphere of prayer. Prayer is often silent, with deep bows or the sign of the cross. A woman lights a candle during a religious service, her head covered with a floral scarf in the Orthodox tradition. The warm glow of the flames contrasts with the dim interior, creating a moment of quiet devotion amidst the surrounding community.

De Svetitskhoveli-kathedraal in Mtskheta, Georgië, is een van de heiligste en oudste kerken van het land. Deze imposante kathedraal, gebouwd tussen 1010 en 1029, is een meesterwerk van middeleeuwse Georgische architectuur en maakt deel uit van het UNESCO-werelderfgoed. Niet alleen is het een architectonisch juweel, het is ook een belangrijk religieus symbool. Volgens de overlevering is hier het kleed begraven dat Jezus droeg tijdens zijn kruisiging, wat de kathedraal tot een van de heiligste plekken van Georgië maakt. Binnen in de kathedraal bevindt zich een kleine kapel, één van de meest heilige plekken van het Georgisch-orthodoxe geloof. Volgens de traditie ligt onder deze kapel het heilige kleed van Christus. De kapel is gebouwd als een soort grafmonument, om dit kostbare relikwie te eren. De muren zijn bedekt met eeuwenoude fresco’s die, ondanks hun verweerde staat, nog altijd een diepe spirituele sfeer oproepen. De kapel is versierd met bloemen en brandende kaarsen. Elke kaars vertegenwoordigt een gebed — vaak voor een geliefde, een heilige, of een persoonlijke intentie. De vlam staat symbool voor het licht van Christus, het eeuwige leven, en de aanwezigheid van God in de duisternis van de wereld. De Orthodoxe spiritualiteit is sterk gericht op het lichaam en de zintuigen. Iconen, wierook, zang, en het kaarslicht dragen allemaal bij aan een sfeer van gebed. Een vrouw steekt een kaars aan tijdens een religieuze dienst, haar hoofd bedekt met een bloemensjaal volgens de orthodoxe traditie. De warme gloed van de vlammen contrasteert met het schemerige interieur en creëert een moment van stille devotie te midden van de omringende gemeenschap. De kapel vormt het hart van de kathedraal – letterlijk én symbolisch – en draagt sterk bij aan de mystieke sfeer die de Svetitskhoveli zo bijzonder maakt. Of je nu gelovig bent of niet, het voelt alsof hier iets eeuwigs in de lucht hangt.

Taken in: Georgia / Mtskheta-Mtianeti / Mtskheta (show map)

Taken on: October 22, 2023

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Camera: Canon EOS 6D, f/3.2, 1/60 sec, 70mm, ISO 640 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Canon EOS 6D
Aperture:	f/3.2
Exposure Time:	0.017 sec (1/60)
Focal Length:	70mm
ISO:	640
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program:	Program AE
Exposure Mode:	Auto
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
White Balance:	Auto
Color Space:	sRGB
Software:	PaintShop Pro 24,00
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