Almost every route through Georgia passes churches and monasteries: Mtskheta, Gergeti, Bodbe, Jvari, Gelati, Alaverdi and hundreds of village churches. For most Georgians these aren't museums but living holy places where people pray, baptise children, marry and light candles for loved ones. Knowing a few simple rules will help you feel at ease and show respect for local culture.

A little about religion in Georgia

Georgia adopted Christianity in the early 4th century, one of the first countries in the world to make it the state religion. Most Georgians belong to the Georgian Orthodox Church, and faith is closely tied to national identity, history and daily life. You'll often see people cross themselves when passing a church — even while driving or riding in a minibus.

Dress code

Women

  • Head covered with a scarf.
  • A skirt below the knee (trousers are accepted in some churches, but a skirt is better in monasteries).
  • Shoulders covered, no low necklines.

Men

  • Long trousers — no shorts.
  • No hat inside the church.
  • Shoulders covered — no sleeveless tops.

If you're not prepared: many popular churches and monasteries keep scarves and wrap-skirts at the entrance, free or for a small donation. Still, it's best to carry a light scarf and long clothes.

Candles

Candles are sold at the entrance or in the church shop. They're usually placed:

  • in front of icons — for health, a request or thanks;
  • on a separate stand — for the departed (often rectangular and set apart).

If unsure, watch what locals do or ask. Light your candle from one already burning.

Photos

  • Outside, photography is almost always fine.
  • Inside, rules vary: some churches allow photos without flash, others ban them. Look for signs or ask.
  • During services, don't take photos or video.
  • Monks and worshippers — don't photograph them without permission.

Inside the church

  • Speak quietly or not at all.
  • Silence your phone.
  • Don't stand with your back to the altar for long if you're close to it.
  • Don't go behind the iconostasis into the altar area — only clergy may enter.
  • Keep hands out of pockets and don't sit on the altar steps.
  • During a service, stand to the side and don't walk between worshippers.
  • Don't touch icons and relics unnecessarily. Locals may kiss icons — that's part of their prayer.

Services

Georgian Orthodox services are held standing; churches have few or no benches. The liturgy is in Georgian, accompanied by famous polyphonic singing. Even if you're not religious, listening for 10–15 minutes is a powerful experience.

The most beautiful services are on Sunday mornings and major feasts, especially Easter and Christmas (7 January).

Saint Nino's cross

You'll see an unusual cross with drooping arms. This is Saint Nino's cross, said to have been made from grapevine and bound with her own hair. Saint Nino brought Christianity to Georgia, and her cross is one of the country's main symbols. Small replicas sold in church shops make a good souvenir.

Monasteries

  • Some men's monasteries restrict entry for women — watch for signs.
  • Monasteries are places of silence: no noise or picnics on the grounds.
  • Monastery shops sell icons, candles, honey, wine and herbal teas made by the monks — buying is a good way to support them.

Donations

Entry to churches is almost always free. To give thanks, leave a donation in the box or buy candles. Nobody will demand money.

Feast days

On major feasts churches are packed, and some places hold processions and fairs. Among the most important:

  • Christmas — 7 January;
  • Epiphany — 19 January;
  • Easter — the date changes each year;
  • Mtskhetoba / Svetitskhovloba — 14 October;
  • Giorgoba, Saint George's Day — 23 November (and in spring on 6 May).

Attitude to visitors

Georgians are hospitable and usually glad when foreigners take an interest in their faith. If you're modest and respectful, you may even be invited to a celebration, offered food or told the story of the church. Small mistakes made out of ignorance are usually forgiven — sincere respect is what matters.

In short

Carry a scarf and long clothes, speak quietly, ask before taking photos, stay out of the altar area and don't film services. Then Georgia's churches will open up to you not only as architectural masterpieces but as living places of faith where history continues every day.