The Students of the Faculty of Art History and Theory in Kartli
On October 10, with the blessing and support of the Rector of Tbilisi Theological Academy and Seminary, Protopresbyter Giorgi Zviadadze, within the framework of traditional educational and cognitive events, the students and teachers of the Faculty of Christian Art History and Theory visited the temple dedicated to Saint Eustatius located in the village of Ertatsminda, in the municipality of Kaspi.
The teachers of the Faculty of Christian Art History and Theory, Doctor of Art History and Theory Mariam Didebulidze and Rusudan Vashalomidze provided the students with detailed information about the history, architecture and wall-paintings of the 13th century cross-domed cathedral of Ertatsminda. Viewing the scenes depicted on the walls of the temple, they recalled the story of the martyrdom and death of Saint Euthtatius. It should be noted that owing to the benevolence of the Dean of the temple Father Teodore, the pilgrims were given the opportunity to approach and venerate the holy relics of Saint Eustatius Placida.
Another significant temple that the students visited in the area of Shida Kartli was the cross-domed temple, called Sioni Church of Ateni (dated to the first half of the 7th century). There also, the students received extensive and significant information from their teachers about the history, architecture, wall-paintings and sanctities preserved in the temple.
After the visit to the temples, having seen impressive sights and attended interesting lectures, the pilgrims were invited to dinner right on the bank of the Tana River. Folk and urban songs performed to the accompaniment of Chonguri added more charm to the unity of the students and the teachers.