Have any of you heard of a place like Kamans? Abkhazia has many interesting cities and rural settlements, among which there is also this village, located 15 km from the city of Sukhum.
The path to Kamany goes through the small local villages of Shroma and Yashtukh, which were pretty much destroyed during the fierce battles of 1992-1993. Here, tourists enjoy a picturesque view of the deep gorges of the Western and Eastern Gumista. And between them stands Mount Gumbihu, on top of which is a small medieval temple. In Yashtukh, you can visit the old cemetery church and the grave of Father Superior Seraphim, Abbot of Glinsky Desert.
A bit of history
Kamanas are an ancient place with a rich history that goes back many centuries to its roots.
Once upon a time, a rural settlement was called Guma. Until in 1884, archaeologist Vrisis from Greece came here. After working here for some time, exploring the ruins of the temple, he made an incredible discovery: the place is nothing but the ancient city of Coman, and it is this place that is mentioned in the scrolls! It was on this earth that the famous preacher John Chrysostom and the holy martyr Basilisk, who was buried here, died on the way to exile. Since then, the village of Guma began to be called Kamany. Abkhazia has many places about which there are legends and some traditions have developed, but this rural settlement stands out from their background.
According to legend, in the place where the martyr Basilisk was cut off his head, a source miraculously appeared. Water from it cured of various diseases and even healed wounds. However, people come to drink healing water from the source of St. Basilisk today. There is also a wooden chapel, built in honor of the Christian martyr, in it are also the relics of the saint.
Landmarks of Kamana settlement
In the village there is the church of
John Chrysostom. Today, the place where John Chrysostom was buried has become a pilgrimage center, and his tomb is now in the church. It was built on the site of the destroyed church of the 11th century, and it can be called a curious fact that during the construction of the bell tower for the new church, workers accidentally discovered a sarcophagus with the body of a preacher.
Soon the remains of the saint were transferred to Constantinople with all honors.
Needless to say, the village of Kamany is revered by Orthodox Christians? Abkhazia is an attractive place for tourists, and this settlement is no exception. They come to the waters of the source of St. Basilisk not only to drink water, but also to plunge into it with their heads. As the ancient legend says, having bathed in this healing water, you can get rid of diseases, strengthen your health and even find the meaning of life.
Beautiful nature, entrancing air and many interesting places - all this was collected in Abkhazia. Kamans (photos of the settlement can be seen in this article) impress with their ancient sights and stunning landscapes. And those who decided to visit this village will be able to see all this beauty with their own eyes.
Kamanas as a pilgrimage center
But still, first of all, this settlement is a place of pilgrimage. Dozens of believers come here to touch the shrines. It’s never empty. You can always see at least one or two erected tents.
There is another pilgrimage center near the Church of St. John Chrysostom, which is revered throughout the Christian world. This is the third finding of the head of John the Baptist. Many centuries ago, this relic was secretly taken out of Byzantium and hidden a few kilometers from Kaman.
After some time, she was found and returned to Constantinople. Today, the Kaman Grotto is considered a sacred place for all Christians.
In addition to all of the above, there are several healing springs that are located in the village of Kamany. Abkhazia is rich in its healing springs, and this village will also be no exception. Here you can not only take a walk and visit various sights and shrines, but also improve your health and relax in nature in this unique place not only with your body, but also with your soul!