Ilorian

The Ilorian Church is located in Abkhazia, the village of Ilor, a suburb of Ochamchira. In 1638 the temple was destroyed, but soon it was restored. In 1858, Prince of Abkhazia Mikhail Shervashidze restored the church and fence. Previously, the Ilorian Church was rich in various church utensils. There were liturgical vessels made of precious metals.

This temple is decorated with beautiful carvings. It became popular thanks to a miracle, not only in Abkhazia.

According to legend, the local prince on the hunt wounded a deer. But the beast hid in the bushes. Traces of blood led the prince to the ruins of the sanctuary, where he saw a deer on the throne with a high cross. The hunter realized that the deer was under the patronage of St. George. A temple was later built here.

In the XVII century unusual ceremonies were held in the church. At Easter, a bull with golden horns appeared in the temple, it was slaughtered, and meat was distributed to believers. It was believed to heal and never spoil. Nowadays, the church is active and very popular with tourists and locals. It is believed that any request that was uttered at the icons will come true.