Whereas I used to be nonetheless intrigued to see what was on the prime of the pillar, Kellerdashvili, one other vacationer visiting the pillar, had a unique viewpoint. “I do not actually wish to climb to the highest. Simply it from under is heaven on Earth for me,” she informed me, glancing in the direction of the highest of the pillar in awe.

Monk Amirani, one other monk on the Katskhi monastery, believes that such guidelines are essential to protect the historical past and tradition of Georgia. Once I climbed to the highest of the pillar for the primary time in 1992, I realised it’s a particular place and essential for Christianity,” he stated. “It is vital that the principles of this pillar are preserved. It’s a spot to hope and for troubled males to search out peace of thoughts and solitude.”

However for Father Iliarion, whether or not or not you’ll be able to climb to the highest, anybody can discover inside peace and solace right here. “The world has many lovely locations however the principle factor about this pillar is the serenity it provides,” he stated. “Earlier than the limestone pillar existed, this complete area was the ocean. One way or the other, I can nonetheless really feel the calming presence of the ocean on this place immediately, although it’s miles away, making it the right spot to get nearer to God.”

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