Jointly Rescuing the “Mokvi” Gospel

Minister of Education and Science of Georgia, Dimitri Shashkini attended the charity event held for rescuing the “Mokvi” Gospel. According to Dimitri Shashkini, MES will be actively involved in rescuing the “Mokvi” Gospel along with the scientists.

The charity event is organized by the Friends’ Society of the National Centre of Manuscripts, students’ self-governance of Tbilisi State University and Marjanisvhili State Dramatic Theatre. Tbilisi City Hall and Autonomous Government of the Republic of Abkhazia support the event.

Famous singers – Liza Bagrationi, Tamriko Chokhonelidze, Eka Mamaladze, Giorgi Ushikishvili, ensemble “Lashari”, Dato Archvadze and quartette of Rustaveli Theatre and Film Georgian State University as well as Zumba, Niaz Diasamidze, Neka Sebiskveradze, Sopo Khalvashi, Cantors of Sameba Cathedral Church, ensembles “Martve”, “Basiani”, Youth Shoir of Abkhazia and etc. participated in the concert. The sum will be transferred to the account of an expensive and long term project of rescuing the “Mokvi” Gospel.

Exhibition of information banners and moulage of the “Mokvi” Gospel was held at Marjanisvhili Theatre as well. Guests were able to buy memorable inscriptions on paper, cardboard or ceramics of young calligraphists and copies of the details of “Mokvi” Gospel. Different souvenirs connected with the Gospel, prepared specifically for this campaign were sold as well. The sum will be fully spent for the conservation of the Gospel.

The manuscript known as the “Mokvi” Gospel was underwritten by Ephrem in 1,300 in Abkhazia by the request of Archbishop of Mokvi. Parchment of elephant bone is used as the material.

The manuscript is full of rare miniatures of XIII-XIV centuries.  The characteristic of the manuscript is the miniature on the golden paper. The Gospel is reflected in 155 miniatures, 10 vaults and around 530 letters and initials that is the best example of art in Christian traditional culture.

Currently, the exhibit of Georgian writing, orthodox religion and culture - “Mokvi” Gospel is injured and needs restoration.