Church Service Times in Mtskheta: Samtavro and Svetitskhoveli - Georgia

RE: Church Service Times in Mtskheta: Samtavro and Svetitskhoveli

Ulyana — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 09:40:32 +0000

I recently returned from a trip. I attended services several times at Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi (in the evening) and entered the church without any problems.
In the other well-known churches in Tbilisi and Mtskheta I visited outside the service hours, and everywhere I encountered a friendly attitude.

RE: Church Service Times in Mtskheta: Samtavro and Svetitskhoveli

Gyulnara — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 09:39:59 +0000

Thank you very much!

RE: Church Service Times in Mtskheta: Samtavro and Svetitskhoveli

Giorgi — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 09:39:36 +0000

They let people in everywhere, but you need to arrive before the service starts. At Svetitskhoveli Cathedral they don’t allow tourists in if the service has already begun.

RE: Church Service Times in Mtskheta: Samtavro and Svetitskhoveli

Gyulnara — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 09:38:26 +0000

Hello! Could you please clarify — do they only not allow pilgrims to attend the services, or are people not allowed into the churches at all? Does it mean that if you travel there specifically, you might not get in?(

RE: Church Service Times in Mtskheta: Samtavro and Svetitskhoveli

Masha — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 09:37:55 +0000

Yes, I’ve heard about the monastery of the 13 Assyrian Fathers, it’s very interesting — if I can manage it, I will definitely stop by. Thank you!
I would also like to visit Zedazeni Monastery and other churches on this side of the river.
With plans like that, I could probably stay for 3–4 days)) especially when traveling independently, without a car)

RE: Church Service Times in Mtskheta: Samtavro and Svetitskhoveli

Giorgi — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 09:36:38 +0000

They don’t let in anyone they don’t like or who looks like a tourist (there is a sign posted there with the service times and a prohibition on attending it). Georgians may also be denied entry — they even complain about it all over Facebook.
In all the churches there are Russian speakers, the abbots know Russian, the monks know Russian or it is their native language.
At Antiochia Monastery there is also a number posted on the gate for pilgrims and visiting hours.

It’s worth going to Kanda or beyond Saguramo to listen to the liturgy in Aramaic (or simply talk with the local priests).

RE: Church Service Times in Mtskheta: Samtavro and Svetitskhoveli

Iriska — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 09:36:02 +0000

Tell me, why might they not let people in? And whom exactly do they not allow in?

RE: Church Service Times in Mtskheta: Samtavro and Svetitskhoveli

Masha — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 09:35:37 +0000

Closer to the bridge — that’s the Gethsemane Monastery, right? Could you please tell me if there are Russian-speaking clergy in these churches?
I’m planning a trip soon and would like to stay in Mtskheta for a couple of days just to visit churches. I would be grateful for any information 🙏

RE: Church Service Times in Mtskheta: Samtavro and Svetitskhoveli

Giorgi — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 09:35:14 +0000

In the evening and on Saturday morning (10 and 17) and Sunday morning (around 10). At Svetitskhoveli Cathedral they may not let you attend the service, at Samtavro Monastery there are lots of local pilgrims. Closer to the bridge there is another church — the abbot there is good, and at Olga Monastery the attitude toward guests is also good. But the times need to be clarified, they are different.

Church Service Times in Mtskheta: Samtavro and Svetitskhoveli

Masha — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 09:34:32 +0000

Hi! Could you please tell me the schedule of services at Samtavro Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral? Are they held every day?