In order to familiarize and better study the monuments of our
cultural heritage, the students of Tbilisi Theological Academy and
Seminary often attend lectures and seminars in museums, Churches,
monasteries and other various places of historical and cultural
significance. Organizing of field trips is an integral part of the
educational process at Tbilisi Theological Academy and
Seminary.
This time, a lecture on the History of Georgian Art was given
to the third-year students of the Seminary at Anchiskhati
Cathedral. It was organized by the Faculty of Christian Art History
and Theory of Tbilisi Theological Academy and Seminary.
The teacher of Art history, Ms. Rusudan Vashalomidze, spoke to
the students about the history and architectural features of the
ancient Anchiskhati temple. She noted that Anchiskhati, a
three-nave basilica dating back to the 6th century, is the oldest
Church building in Tbilisi; The current name of the Cathedral of
the Nativity of the Mother of God - Anchiskhati - is associated
with the icon of the Saviour brought here from the Monastery of
Anchi in southern Georgia in 1664... Ms. Rusudan introduced the
students in detail to the artifacts which attest the antiquity of
the temple, and spoke about the significance of Anchiskhati as a
monument with a status of cultural heritage.
After the lecture, the students were met by the Dean of the
Church, Father Michael Ghvaladze. Father Michael blessed the
students, warmly hosted them and told them many interesting things
about the past and present of Anchiskhati Church.