Ancient Georgian Inscriptions in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and ‘Bethlehems’ in Georgia

Thirteen ancient Georgian inscriptions, including one attributed to Catholicos Maxime I of western Georgia (1639–1657), have been identified within the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. These inscriptions reveal a rich history of Georgian pilgrimage and religious engagement in the Holy Land during the 14th to 16th centuries, with Georgians establishing their own monasteries or residing alongside monks from other nationalities. The study highlights how Georgians brought sacral toponyms like 'Bethlehem' back to Georgia, leading to the founding of churches and monasteries dedicated to the Virgin of Bethlehem across the region.

(Ed.). (2026). Ancient Georgian Inscriptions in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and ‘Bethlehems’ in Georgia. Writing in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, 225–239. https://doi.org/10.1484/m.celama-eb.5.151600