Diocese of Batumi and Skhalta
History
This eparchy includes ancient Georgian region – Adjaria.
According to Georgian chronicles St Andrew First-called entered Georgia through Adjaria. First churches were erected in villages near Black Sea. Adjaria had its hierarch even in IV at the reign of King Mirdat III. Later, at the reign of St King Vakhtang Gorgasali (mem. November 30), the diocese of Skhalta (ie Adjaria) was united into diocese of Akhizi.
In XVII c. Ottoman Empire invaded Adjaria and cutted it off from Georgia. During 300 years Adjaria was under Islamic rule. Many Georgians were martyred by Turks (Church comemorates them at Pentecost Day with name “Georgian priests and laymen, martyred by Turks
