Diocese of Akhalkalaki and Kumurdo
The Diocese of Akhalkalaki and Kumurdo is an ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Church of Georgia located in the nation of Georgia.
History
The diocese is situated in South Georgia, in the historical region of Javakheti. According to Sumerian chronicles, Javakheti had established its statehood as early as the eighth century B.C.
Javakheti became a strong principality within the Kingdom of Kartli (East Georgia). Also, Javakheti is important historically due to the fact that St. Nino, Enlightener of Georgia, entered Georgia through Javakheti, near Paravani lake. Christian parishes were here even before St Nino.
In the 1990s the Diocese of Borjomi and Akhalkalaki was restored. This diocese included territory previously belonging to Kumurdo, and it was the successor of the Diocese of Kumurdo.
By decision of the Holy Synod of Georgia (October 17, 2002), the Diocese of Borjomi and Akhalkalaki was separated into two dioceses: Borjomi-Bakuriani and Akhalkalaki-Kumurdo.
The Diocese
The Diocese of Akhalkalaki and Kumurdo includes the districts of Akhalkalaki and Ninotsminda. The episcopal see is in Kumurdo. The primate is His High Eminence Nicolas, Metropolitan of Akhalkalaki and Kumurdo.