The Patriarchate of Georgia, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, has launched a major national project.
Evangelists of Virgin Mary – is the name of the expedition, which aims at blessing the villages in the border regions of Georgia and population together with the local priests, congratulating the feast of allocating Georgia to the Virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit. In addition, the expedition tries to study the socio-economic status, toponyms and customs of the local population and to identify ethno-cultural aspects in contemporary life.
Students of accredited higher educational institutions have participated in the project Evangelists of Virgin Mary. Of course, Caucasus International University, with its largest proportion of students, became involved in the expedition. The meeting concerning its goals and objectives was held at the Trinity Cathedral Youth Center, where His Grace Daniel, Father George, and Father Zachariah provided information to the students. They distributed questionnaires, icons and brochures for the population as well as the expedition outfit. The expedition was blessed by Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II on the feast Day of Saint Ilia, on August 2.
Caucasus International University received historical Khevi. Students were willing to see Svaneti and Kevsureti, and they could not imagine what was awaiting them and what they would witness. The expedition was made up of 19 students, Beka Tsotniashvili, a third year student of journalism program at the Faculty of Social Sciences was unanimously elected as a leader. He introduced to students in details the expedition outfit and easy packing methods. However, backpacks were still heavy and initially girls complaining a little. They got used to it pretty soon and nobody cared about the heavy backpacks. Pretty soon, university students from all faculties showed amazing skills in leadership, support and endurance. This was the team that did everything for each other during 15 days (boys who were in minority took care of girls).
The expedition headed for Khevi on August 3, 2019. The students who arrived in Stepantsminda were hosted by the Archbishop of Stepantsminda-Khevi Jegudieli. He accommodated the expedition participants in St. Ilia the Righteous Gymnasium. Father Kontsantine (Lursmanashvili) had to accompany them during the whole expedition. Upon arrival, he informed the students of the list of villages envisaged by the project. The students visited Dariali Monastery Complex by the blessing of his Grace in the evening. They learnt the history of Dariali Castle and gorge, its strategic importance from the ancient times for Georgia. The first day of the expedition turned out to be impressive for the students who were tired after the journey. Father Konstantine asked us to attend the Mass in Michael Archangel Cathedral in Stepantsminda in the morning.
It would be complicated to keep track of expedition days and share impressions in the format of newspaper article, however I have to admit that the students, together with Father Konstantine, visited about 15 villages of Stepantsminda from August 4 to August 18. Each place was distinguished by special beauty, historical monuments and people. People showed great warmth towards the students. When population learnt which university we were from, they wanted their children to continue their studies at our university. There cannot be found a society who is so spiritually sustainable, religiously balanced and righteous in our country. Every path to the church has been cleaned and cared for, which is a tribute to His Grace and his clergymen, as well as to the populace who greatly respect the Georgian Apostolic Church and the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II.
The villages which have been visited within the framework of the expedition are many: Arsha, Sno, Sioni, Akhaltsikhe, Gergeti, Garbani, Juta, Achkhoti, Kanobi, khurtisi, Tsdo. Students’ love to Christ has even increased during this time. They prepared for confession, in order to receive a communion. We cannot but distinguish a number of villages that left their trace on expedition participants. Village Sno - Native village of His Holiness and Beatitude Catholicos Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II. After morning liturgy water was blessed and village Sno together with the students. Uncle Sandro (Gelashvili), class mate of His Holiness and Beatitude Catholicos Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II introduced Patriarch’s brief biography to students. The history of the village provoked interest among the youth. The village of Sno is represented by many monuments of Georgian cultural heritage: Darki St. George Church on the top of a hill. The church has a back tower that is heavily damaged and has only four-meter walls remaining, Kvirgvtishvilis Nish and Nadarbazevi Church. There is Ghudushauri Castle on the outskirts of the village, which was built in XVI-XVII centuries by Shiola Ghudushauri’s order and occupies a special place among the Georgian castles. Sno castle controlled the short ravine from Khevi to Khevsureti, Pshavi and Gudamakari Gorge to Mtiuleti. Historical Church of Virgin Mary’s Birth in Akhaltsikhe impressed students. The cross sacrificed by King Tamar is preserved in this church. As the inscription tells us, Zurab Eristavi restored the cross erected by Shah Tamaz and sacrificed it again to the temple. Students headed for village Koselta after Akhaltsikhe, where they talked with the only inhabitant of the village, Vakhtang Pitskhelauri. He told to the students with tears in eyes the heroic stories of the village. Married couple of the expedition, Irakli Mekvevrishvili and Gvantsa Chkheidze even expressed their desire to settle in this region with their three children.
Truso Gorge was the climax of the expedition. It is extremely painful to see the deserted villages and dilapidated houses, though the valley prides itself with picturesque nature and medieval castle towers. Monastic activities are the new life of the Truso Gorge that serve as the Mothers and Fathers Monastery. The girls started to get ready for the valley by baking pies, they prepared takeout and headed for 12-km route in the morning. Caucasus International University students brought Georgian spirit, Georgian passion and great love to their homeland in this deserted place.
Everything has an end. Interesting materials have been collected. Father Konstantine could not hide his admiration for CIU students and they followed him everywhere like chicks. It was hard for us to say goodbye to him. The priest provided students with the great spiritual nourishment. We would like to express our gratitude Father Konstantine for the grace and support you have shown us. We would like to thank each member of the expedition (Beka Tsotniashvili, Nodar Chumburidze, Vako Doijashvili, Giorgi Karchava, Irakli Mekvevrishvili, Gvantsa Chkheidze, Natia Konjaria, Keti tsulaia, Anano Sulukhia, Maya Shonia, Sopho Mdzevashvili, Natia Baramidze, Kristine Tsikolia, Natali Kurtanidze, Tamar Paghava, Salome Akhalkatsi, Nino Nersezashvili, Mari Nadirashvili) for being such great people, for loving your country so much and making Caucasus International University proud!
Eventually, I would like to thank the Patriarchate of Georgia: Sachkhere and Chiatura Metropolitan Bishop Daniel, Father Giorgi (Pitskhelani) and Father Zakaria (Gatenadze), Caucasus International University Chancellor, Vakhtang Tsivtsivadze whose moral and material support provided great stimulus for students.
CIU Associate Professor
Doctor of History, head of the expedition
Ketevan Shoshiasvili
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