[1] According to the inscriptions on the walls, written with the ancient Georgian writing of Asomtavruli, the Kumurdo Cathedral was built by Ioane the Bishop during the reign of king of the Abkhazians Leon III in 964.

Arrow arches, powerful piers, rising up the dome, smooth bricks and fine design of the conches was aimed to give the feeling that the church stretches up.

Of special interest is a relief portrait of Queen Gurandukht, the mother of King Bagrat III, with the cross on her breast, carved on one of the eastern squinches.

It was probably built at the same period, but a finely ornamented stele on its western wall dates back to the 5th or 6th centuries.

The inscriptions on the southern and eastern facades tell that the church was built by architect Sakotsari with the order of Bishop Ioanne in 964.

He added a portal to the western arm, and ordered golden decorations from master David.

In the name of God, I, Zosime Kumurdoeli, invested the altar, chalice, dish, the cross, and embellished the icon of the Saviour by the hand of David.

He who alters this be cursed by this icon.Jesus Christ, glorify in both lives the second builder, patron Elisbal, their mother Kristine, their spouse Marikh, their sons and daughters, amen.The cross of Christ.God have mercy on Zosime Kumurdoeli, amen.God have mercy on the stonemason Mikela.This article on an Eastern Orthodox church building in Georgia is a stub.