Man Dies in Churchyard on Annual Lomisoba Celebration

A middle-aged man passed away in the churchyard in the village of Mleta, East Georgia, at the annual Lomisoba celebration on June 10.

The Emergency Management Service of Georgia reports that despite first aid, his life could not be saved.

The exact reason behind the incident is unknown at this stage. Reportedly, the man allegedly died of heart failure. 

The Lomisoba festival dates back to pre-Christianity and has become a kind of synthesis of Christianity and Paganism.

Every year, on the first Wednesday after Pentecost, people across Georgia gather near Mleta village to pay respect to Lomisi Saint George in a church that was built in the 13th century.

On this day, numerous people walk up the mountain, some wearing an 8kg chain around their necks, to pray to St. George. Georgian feasts are then held in the vicinity of the church and include the medieval pagan tradition of sheep slaughtering. Such acts of slaughter are actually disapproved of by the Georgian Orthodox Church, but people still practice the ritual, believing that St. George will help their families, particularly those with fertility issues, after they have made a sacrifice.

Along with barbequed lamb, the festival participants also consume a lot of wine. The event is attended by entire families, including small children. 

The annual Lomisoba has often been criticized for the animal slaughter which traditionally takes place at the event.