MAXIME Qavtaradze has lived a lifetime of solitude for greater than 20 years, overlooking the gorgeous Georgian mountains.
The monk, 59, lives on a pillar towering 131ft within the air above a monastery and has his provides winched up by his followers.
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Maxime has lived within the small hut for decadesCredit: Rex
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The agricultural pillar overlooks a close-by monasteryCredit: Rex
He solely comes down twice per week to hope together with his followers – however has to make a harrowing 20 minute journey down the 131ft ladder.
Monks and teams of males searching for solace come to the foot of the pillar to see the monk.
However Maxime is not afraid of heights – and even labored as a crane operator earlier than becoming a member of the monastery.
He stated: “It is up right here within the silence which you could really feel God’s presence.”
The remoted pillar has a small hut, with a mattress inside for him – however when he first moved in, the monk slept in a fridge.
Previous to turning into a monk, Maxime had a short interval in jail and determined he wanted a serious change, so he took his orders.
He recalled: “Once I was younger I drank, offered medicine, every little thing. Once I ended up in jail I knew it was time for a change.
“I used to drink with buddies within the hills round right here and lookup at this place, the place land met sky.
“We knew the monks had lived up there earlier than and I felt nice respect for them.”
Christians lived atop of pillars to “keep away from worldly temptations” centuries in the past, till the apply was stopped within the fifteenth century.
Maxime determined to maneuver to the highest, and construct his relationship with God by praying and studying.
Males with troubled lives come to talk with Maxime, who had a tough historical past himself.
Company of the monastery pray seven hours per day and assist with chores – together with lifting provides to Maxime.
However Maxime appears to benefit from the silence and views of the Caucasus mountains – the identical view he is had for 20 years.
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He lives in the midst of the Georgian mountainsCredit: Rex
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Many monks have lived in excessive areas beforeCredit: Alamy
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He has provides winched as much as him when neededCredit: Rex
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The small hut has been his dwelling for 20 yearsCredit: Rex