I live alone on top of 131ft pillar with food & supplies winched up on a rope… I love every second of my lonely life
MAXIME Qavtaradze has lived a life of solitude for more than 20 years, overlooking the stunning Georgian mountains.
The monk, 59, lives on a pillar towering 131ft in the air above a monastery and has his supplies winched up by his followers.
He only comes down twice a week to pray with his followers – but has to make a harrowing 20 minute journey down the 131ft ladder.
Priests and groups of men seeking solace come to the foot of the pillar to see the monk.
But Maxime isn’t afraid of heights – and even worked as a crane operator before joining the monastery.
He said: “It’s up here in the silence that you can feel God’s presence.”
The isolated pillar has a small hut, with a bed inside for him – but when he first moved in, the monk slept in a fridge.
Prior to becoming a monk, Maxime had a brief period in prison and decided he needed a major change, so he took his orders.
He recalled: “When I was young I drank, sold drugs, everything. When I ended up in prison I knew it was time for a change.
“I used to drink with friends in the hills around here and look up at this place, where land met sky.
“We knew the monks had lived up there before and I felt great respect for them.”
Christians lived atop of pillars to “avoid worldly temptations” centuries ago, until the practice was stopped in the 15th century.
Maxime decided to move to the top, and build his relationship with God by praying and reading.
Men with troubled lives come to speak with Maxime, who had a difficult history himself.
Guests of the monastery pray seven hours per day and help with chores – including lifting supplies to Maxime.
But Maxime seems to enjoy the silence and views of the Caucasus mountains – the same view he’s had for 20 years.