12 km from Sukhum on the left bank of the Western Gumista amidst the dense forest the red cone of a bell tower is visible. It is a well-known Kaman Temple of the 11th -12th centuries – the destination of pilgrimage erected on the grave of St. John Chrysostom who died in the 4th century AD. The stone sarcophagus in which St. John Chrysostom was originally buried is kept in this active temple. The great theologian was exiled to Colchis and died in Kaman. His body had stayed there for thirty years and then was solemnly transferred to Constantinople.
The Temple is a one-hall stone building. The vault which was supported by two arches has collapsed. The ancient temple was exposed to renovation and received additional annexes: from the north and the south two additional outhouses were added, and from the west - the three-story bell tower covered by the high hipped roof.
In 2002 Kaman Orthodox Monastery was revived. |
