The President of Georgia visited the “Motsameta” Monastery. Mikheil Saakashvili toured the entire Monastery Complex and congratulated the parish on this public religious holiday of the martyrs - David and Constantine Mkheidzes. The Metropolitan Bishop Kalistrate gifted the President of Georgia with an icon of Saint Michael.

“Bagrat III built this brilliant church in the name of two Georgian heroes - David and Constantine, who died in the battle against Murvan the Deaf – Putin of that time. The Communists leveled this church in the previous century. They made fun of the holy elements and our historical memories. Two years ago we decided to restore it and build a large church here. You are aware that hundreds of churches have been restored in Georgia, but this church possesses a special beauty” – stated Mikheil Saakashvili.

The President of Georgia also talked about current projects – the restoration work of Bagrati, Gelati and other churches. “Bagrati is the symbol of a strong and unified Georgia” – noted Mikheil Saakashvili.

“I arrived here from Nekresi, Kakheti. Nekresi was also recently restored and it looks similar to this place. We have such a great treasure here that the world and even Georgians had forgotten. Now all of this is coming back and it makes me very happy” – stated the President of Georgia.

The population of the Motsameta Village celebrated today’s public-religious holiday in the restored church. The restoration work of the monastery and the territory surrounding it, financed within the scope of the state program, has been going on for two years. The walls of the church were grinded with a traditional limestone method, the interior was also painted and the original appearance of the gate and arch has been restored. A small church, living and dining quarters were built in the yard of the main church. In addition to these changes, the roads leading to the monastery were also rehabilitated.

After visiting the Motsameta Monastery, Mikheil Saakashvili inspected the ongoing rehabilitation work in the center of Kutaisi, where a new fountain will be built and the front façade of the Kutaisi theatre renovated very soon.