On Saturday, 22 February 2014, according to the decision of the Holy Synod of the Apostolic Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Georgia, the translation of the holy relic of our venerable Father Gabriel the Confessor took place, which was moved from the yard of the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Savior in the female Monastery of Samtravo to Svetitskhoveli Church.
Thousands of believers who wanted to come close to the Saint’s relic gathered at the Samtavro Monastery but only people with special permits were able to enter the church territory. The tomb was also closed to media.
The sacred relic of the Saint was carried to the Svetitskhoveli Church, where believers were able to venerate him. The Patriarch of Georgia and members of the Holy Synod also visited the church.
St. Gabriel’s relic now rests in a wooden shrine, which is sealed.
On the way from Samtavro Monastery, where the holy remains have been transferred to Svetitskhoveli, a cordon of soldiers was presented on the both sides of the road. The shrine was led by the youth movement ‘Davitianni’ with flags and a number of soldiers ahead of them.
On February 24, the sacred relic of St Gabriel will be transferred to Tbilisi Holy Trinity Church where the parish will be able to visit him for one week, the Georgian Orthodox Church reported.
On 21 December 2012, according to the decision of the Holy Synod of the Apostolic Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Georgia, Archimandrite Gabriel (Urgebadze) was proclaimed a Saint and given the following title: Venerable Father Gabriel the Confessor and Fool for Christ. His memory is celebrated on November 2.
