Nestled in the quaint village of Poka, which is predominantly inhabited by ethnic Armenians, Poka St. Nino Nunnery is a remarkable destination in the Samtskhe-Javakheti Region of Georgia. Perched at an impressive altitude of over 2,000 meters, this serene nunnery overlooks Lake Paravani, the largest lake in Georgia, known for its volcanic origins.
If you find yourself traveling through the Samtskhe-Javakheti Region, a visit to Poka Nunnery is an enriching detour! The breathtaking views and pristine natural surroundings create a tranquil atmosphere, while the nunnery is celebrated for its delicious organic handmade products, including delectable chocolates and artisanal French-style cheese, all available for purchase in the on-site gift shop.
The history of Poka St. Nino Nunnery is illuminated in the ancient text “Conversion of Kartli” (მოქცევაი ქართლისაი), which is the oldest surviving medieval historical compilation in Georgia. According to this account, St. Nino of Cappadocia journeyed to Georgia through the Javakheti Mountains and paused at the very location where the St. Nino Church now stands. Given that the introduction of Christianity to Georgia is intricately linked with St. Nino’s legacy, this site holds profound religious significance for the Georgian people.
Constructed in the mid-11th century, St. Nino Church at the nunnery is a hall church built from meticulously cut square stone blocks. Its doors and windows feature intricate carvings, and remnants of frescoes can still be seen within its walls. The chapel is particularly esteemed for the informative inscriptions found on its southern wall, which provide insights into the original construction period and subsequent renovations. One inscription, located beneath the left window and written in the historical Georgian script of Asomtavruli, reveals that the church was built during the reign of Bagrat IV Kuropalates by an architect known as Master Bavreli.
In 1988, Ilia II, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, visited Poka during his travels to Javakheti. He purchased a house adjacent to the church and registered as a resident to gain access to the area, which was closed to the public at that time. In 1992, a nunnery was established in the patriarch’s house, with Hegumen Elisabeth (Meskhishvili) appointed as the head of the monastery. The nunnery was given a missional role and has since served as the only Georgian-speaking enclave within a predominantly Armenian-speaking community.
The nuns at Poka St. Nino Nunnery have initiated a parish school, offering local Armenian residents the opportunity to learn Georgian and English. This educational service is especially beneficial for the village youth, who need these language skills to succeed in national examinations.
Additionally, the nunnery houses a one-room clinic that provides free medical assistance to locals, alongside a workshop dedicated to creating cloisonné enamel, and the Pokani Mosaic Workshop where the nuns craft icons, candles, and other liturgical items.
The nuns have also honed their cheese-making skills, blending traditional local methods with French techniques and European innovations to produce high-quality cheeses. Unique varieties available in the gift shop include Monastic Blue, Javakheti Blue, Classic Blue, Poka’s Blue, and Brevis. A variety of other organic products are also offered, including jams, crackers, truffles, chocolates, alpine floral honey, and unrefined olive and corn oils.
Every year on June 1, Georgians celebrate St. Nino Day, known as Ninooba. This holy day is especially significant in Poka, where many children are baptized in the waters of Lake Paravani. National priests, clergymen, and representatives of the Holy Synod of Georgia gather in the region to partake in the special observances held at Poka St. Nino Nunnery, underscoring its importance as a spiritual and cultural hub.