Woeful fate of Armenian heritage in Georgia

11/19/2009

The domed Saint Gevorg of Mughni Church in Tbilisi (built 1356) collapsed yesterday night (Nov. 19) in the Old Tbilisi part of the city, reads the release of Georgian eparchy of Armenian Apostolic Church. The document mainly says:

“There was a large dome in the centre and three smaller one of which was a belfry. The documents dated 1763 mention the church as one of seven Armenian churches in Tbilisi of Armenian eparchy. In 1789, a bell tower was constructed in the west wing of the church. Persians plundered the church in 1795 however owing to monk-priest Grigor Ter-Shmavoyan, some church utensils was saved. Partial renovation of Mughni St. Gevorg took place in 1852-1993. Teacher and editor Nikoghayos Khorotyan, benefactor Barsegh Hovsepyan-Khodjayants and clergy were buried in the church yard.

Mother See of Holy Etchimadzin and Georgian eparchy of AAC have repeatedly requested Georgian authorities, Patriarch’s office, and international organizations to return the Mughni St. Gevorg church along with other five Armenian churches. The problem has been addressed by media however, Georgian leadership keep ignoring the issue. Georgian Patriarch’s office presented an argument that it considers the churches disputable and that is why they cannot be returned. It should be mentioned that Mughni St. Gevorg is the second church that has been demolished in Georgia, the first was destroyed in 1989.

We assert that Georgian Ministry of culture and heritage preservation is totally responsible for the developments – as churches were on the ministerial balance. It seems Georgian Patriarchy and the authorities decided to demolish the cultural monuments instead of considering the issue of their preservation and return.”

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