“I Am Waiting for You at Samtavro”. Premier of the English Version / OrthoChristian.Com

Today, December 20, we celebrate anniversary of the canonization of St. Gabriel (Urgebadze) of Georgia. The creators of the film, “I Am Waiting for You at Samtavro,” have given OrthoChristian.com the great pleasure of presenting it to our readers in its entirety, along with this written introduction.

Working on this film brought so many wonderful moments into my life. This film has united so many people into one big family. I am infinitely grateful to Elder Gabriel for granting us the family bond between the film crew, the viewers, and all of us. He taught us to rejoice that we are Orthodox Christians and taught us to bring joy to people through true Christian love, spreading it generously to everybody around us.

I recall every moment of the filming process and I get the feeling that I am sending off my own child on a long journey. It makes me anxious and thrilled, all at the same time. Anxious because this is a great responsibility. Thrilled because I am sure that my film will warm your souls and it will show the life of Elder Gabriel. It will make you laugh, smile, and cry.

At the foundation and core of this film are the blessing of the His Holiness and Beatitude Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II, two years of work on the motion picture, the prayers, the countless miracles, the tears, the joy, the trips across four countries and many cities, the smiling face of our Mama Gabrieli [Georgian for Father Gabriel.—OC], and the manifestation of his presence and his help.

Wonderworking icon and holy relics of elder Gabriel

There were many temptations during our work on this film, but in an unusual way they were all sorted out by the prayers of Elder Gabriel.

Praying for the intercession of Elder Gabriel made everything fall in place.

But the greatest miracle is that Elder Gabriel does not abandon anyone, not even for a second.

Creative team

During our work on this film we had first-hand experience of Elder Gabriel’s love, and how he is teaching us to love in the same way. This exact same love was ever-present in his long-suffering life.

On this day of his canonization, I am presenting to your hearts this movie—“I am waiting for you at Samtavro”.

I hope that it will warm the souls of each and every one of you and that you will feel the blessing and grace of our dear Father Gabriel.

I am grateful to God, to Elder Gabriel and to all of you. For two years we have created this film—this memorable page with a beautiful and blessed story—together.

In the cell of elder gabriel

As the author and director of this production, I call it the “movie of three continents”, because:

It was made in the Republic of Georgia in the Russian language.
It was translated into English in Portugal.
It was edited in the USA and the voice-over was recorded in Australia.

The love for Elder Gabriel travels far, beyond the borders of Georgia and beyond these three continents.

During his lifetime Elder Gabriel would often say, “Today, the whole world found out about me…”

Elder Gabrielis sister Julietta and Constantine

There was no doubt that people found out about him, like during the communist regime during the May Day demonstrations, when the Elder burnt down a giant portrait of Lenin that hung on the House of Government of Georgia and which was supposed to be “venerated” by soviet citizens.

But what was the exact meaning of these words which he used to repeat so often, “Today, the whole world found out about me…” ? We are not able to say for sure and we can’t fully understand these words, but we can suppose that it is very likely that Father Gabriel was also referring to this movie, which we present to you today, as indeed today even more people will discover him.

The Elder also used to say “I am leaving, but I will always be near you, invisibly. I will never leave you…”

It has become very obvious to us that during our work on this movie, the Elder was with us the entire time. The desire that you all feel the Elder’s love, help, and presence shines brightly in my heart, crying with love, “Christ in our midst”.

Appeal of the film-maker to the readers and viewers

From sunny Georgia, I greet you with reverence, each and every one of you who watched this film and who love our Elder Gabriel.

At present, the makers of this film are working on a new documentary, which will be entitled, “Father Gabrieli”. With God’s help we have already filmed in several locations in Russia, Georgia, Belarus and Ukraine. A lot of work awaits us.

If your financial situation allows and you can make a contribution, we humbly ask everybody to offer their mite to financing the creation of this documentary—for a great cause, even the most modest amount often proves to be decisive.

For more options to support the creation a new documentary about saint Gabriel, see enclosed information below.

When transferring money you are invited to indicate your name in Holy Baptism along with the names of your living as well as reposed relatives and loved ones. All the names will be remembered during prayer services in front of the relics of St. Gabriel (Urgebadze) at Samtavro Convent, at the holy sites, and at the wonderworking myrrh-streaming icons of the venerable Gabriel and Seraphim of Sarov.

Send the list of names and any questions you may have by email: diademas@yahoo.com

Bank account (Sberbank): 4276 3801 0591 3060

Beneficiary: David Kobaevitch Chikadze

PayPal: diademas@yahoo.com

FOR USD TRANSFER TBC BANK OF GEORGIA

INTERMEDIARY: CITIBANK N.A.
NEW-YORK, USA
SWIFT: CITIUS33
ABA: 021000089