Armenian Church, Tbilisi

Nor Echmiadzin Church in Tbilisi stands as the only active Armenian church in the capital of Georgia. Also known as the Church of Surb Echmiadzin, this sacred site is nestled near Avlabari Square in the historic district of the same name. Avlabari is traditionally recognized as a predominantly Armenian neighborhood, having long been home to a large Armenian population.

This modest, single-dome church serves as a vital center of Armenian culture in Tbilisi. In addition to regular liturgical services, Nor Echmiadzin houses the “Hayartun” Youth Educational and Cultural Center, which was established in 2011. The center oversees the Sunday School of Saint Yeghia, the Saturday School of Saint Grigor Narekatsi, the preschool institution named after Saint Movses Khorenatsi, various creative clubs, and charitable initiatives. All these efforts are aimed at strengthening Armenian-Georgian relations while preserving the Armenian language and both religious and secular traditions.

According to most historical records, the church was founded in 1806, though some scholars suggest it may date back to the late 18th century. The most widely accepted version is based on a written report by Archpriest Ioann Martirosov, who both served the church and took part in its construction. His account details how, in 1806, around two hundred Armenian families were forcibly relocated from Echmiadzin (present-day Vagharshapat) to Tiflis (modern-day Tbilisi). Most of these families settled in Avlabari, while others were moved to the district of Tapitakh.

Once established in their new home, the Echmiadzin Armenians resolved to build a church. Funding for the construction was provided by the local Armenian community. It is believed that the Church of Surb Echmiadzin was completed between 1808 and 1809. From that time onward, the Armenian diaspora has vigilantly cared for the church, organizing numerous restoration efforts. Between 1845 and 1983 alone, the structure underwent eight rounds of renovation.

Despite this dedicated care, the church was not spared from deterioration. By the late 20th century, deep cracks appeared in its walls, posing a serious risk of collapse. The 2001 earthquake in Tbilisi further compromised the building’s structural integrity. The Armenian Apostolic Church Diocese in Georgia undertook a major campaign to save the church, eventually securing funding with the help of the Armenian community in Argentina. Between 2006 and 2010, the church underwent a comprehensive reconstruction, culminating in a rededication ceremony.

Since its founding, the appearance of Nor Echmiadzin Church has undergone significant transformation. Originally, it was a modest, wooden, domeless structure with a small bell tower. A major renovation in 1845 essentially replaced the old building with a new brick church. It was during this renovation that the dome and supporting columns were added. It is believed that the renowned Tiflis philanthropist A. Tairyants sponsored the construction of the brick church.

The interior of the newly built church takes the form of a rectangle with recessed niches, one of which houses the altar. An additional room adjoins the western side of the church, while two semi-circular niches adorn the eastern façade. The decor of Nor Echmiadzin reflects traditional Armenian ecclesiastical aesthetics—marked by simplicity, with no frescoes, altar screens, or iconostasis. In the altar niche, a single icon of the “Hodegetria” type is displayed atop a small pedestal.

In front of the church, an intricately carved Armenian khachkar—a stone stele bearing a cross—stands proudly. Another khachkar is embedded in the western wall of the church, silently bearing witness to centuries of faith and devotion.

Nor Echmiadzin Church is easily accessible by public transport and taxi services. The Avlabari metro station (on the Akhmeteli–Varketili Line/red line) is within walking distance. Nearby, on N. Baratashvili Street, the “Avlabari Metro Station” bus stop is served by multiple routes, including buses No. 2, 25, 37, 39, 43, 46, 91, and 122.