The Role of Greek Hierarchs in the Process of Church Separation of the Samtskhe-Saatabago – The Atskuri Diocese

Abstract

The purpose of the research «The role of Greek hierarchs in the process of church separation of the Samtskhe-Saatabago – the Atskuri Diocese,» is to present the church separation process and the role of Greek hierarchs in Samtskhi Saatabago in the late Middle Ages on the example of the Aksuri Diocese. In the late Middle Ages, the Atabags of Samtskhi actively fought to gain independence from the unified Georgian state.

A struggle for church separation accompanied the struggle for political independence. Atabags of Samtskhe, led by the Archbishop of Atskuri, tried to withdraw Samtskhe from the subordination of the Catholic Church of Kartli.

The struggle for the independence of the Samtskhe Church was greatly damaging to the united Georgian ecclesiastical-state space. Greek clergymen, especially the Patriarch of Antioch Dorotheus III (Patriarch 1497-1523), were actively involved in separating Samtskhe-Saabago from the Catholic Church of Samtskhe.

Our interest in the issue, in addition to scientific research interests, was driven by one noteworthy fact in the May 2021 Patriarchate of Antioch. In particular, the Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch, John X (Patriarch since 2012), received an official visit Aslan Bzhania, President of the so-called occupied Abkhazia (so-called President since 2020). The Patriarch of Antioch referred to Aslan Bzhania as President of Abkhazia. The official delegations of Syria and Abkhazia attended the meeting. At the meeting, the Patriarch of Antioch said – «We are ready to provide your country with the help you need, including Christian and ecclesiastical matters.» This statement and action of the Patriarch of Antioch derives from the geopolitical situation in the Caucasus and also reminds us of the threats that may be theoretically. Due to the historical experience, the so-called Abkhazian President Aslan Bzhania's official acceptance by the Patriarch of Antioch John X at the Patriarchate's residence is noteworthy.

The present study analyzes specific historical precedents regarding what drove the Patriarchs of Antioch to grossly invade the Catholic Church Kartli and what caused it. I think it is necessary to have scientific research and, in general, an academically reasonable response to all the ambitious claims that have historically been or may have been in perspective concerning the Church of Georgia from the Patriarchate of Antioch.