Kumurdo Cathedral

Kumurdo Cathedral
კუმურდოს ტაძარი

Kumurdo Cathedral
Shown within Georgia (country)
Basic information
Location Kumurdo Village, Akhalkalaki District, Georgia
Geographic coordinates 41°23′41″N 43°21′35″E / 41.3946207°N 43.3596331°E / 41.3946207; 43.3596331Coordinates: 41°23′41″N 43°21′35″E / 41.3946207°N 43.3596331°E / 41.3946207; 43.3596331
Affiliation Georgian Orthodox
Ecclesiastical or organizational status Cathedral
Architectural description
Completed 10th century during the reign of King Leon III of Abkhazia

Kumurdo Cathedral (Georgian: კუმურდო) is a Georgian Orthodox Cathedral. It is situated on Javakheti Plateau, 12 km (7.5 mi) southwest from Akhalkalaki.[1] According to the inscriptions on the walls, written with the ancient Georgian writing of Asomtavruli, the Kumurdo Cathedral was built by Ioane the Bishop during the reign of king of the Abkhazians Leon III in 964.[1][2] During the Middle Ages, Kumurdo was an important cultural, educational and religious center. In split of, this cathedral was restored twice (1930; 1970–1980), this cathedral is left without dome. In 2015, was prepared a project for full rehabilitation of the cathedral.[3]

Architecture

The domed building was constructed in stone and was decorated with fine engravings. The windows around the altar are decorated with replicas of bulls, eagles, lions and angels. The interior of the cathedral is decorated with mural paintings. Of special interest is a portrait of Queen Guranducht, the mother of King Bagrat III.

Epigraphy of the church

Christ, have mercy on the Bishop Iovane, builder of this, on that day.
In the name of God, I, the Bishop Iovane, fixed the feast day of the Eristavi Vache, on Easter day. Whoever alters this, be he cursed by his icon, my cross.
In the name of God, I, Bishop Grigol, fixed the feast day of Goliat, on the Day of Ignatus. Whoever alters this be he cursed by this icon, my cross.
In the name of God, I, Zosime Kumurdoeli, invested the altar, chalice, dish, the cross, and embellished the icon of the Saviour by the hand of David. Fixed his feast day with kyrie eleison on the fifth (day) of Palm Week:let the archpriest celebrate the feast on the (day) of the Holy Trinity by singing a hymn. He who alters this be cursed by this icon.
Jesus Christ, glorify in both lives the second builder, patron Elisbal, their mother Kristine, their spouse Marikh, their sons and daughters, amen.
The cross of Christ.
God have mercy on Zosime Kumurdoeli, amen.
God have mercy on the stonemason Mikela.

Sources

References

  1. 1 2 "Kumurdo Church". Georgian patriarchate, Eparchy of Shemoqmedi. Retrieved 5 March 2011.
  2. ↑ "Kumurdo". Parliament of Georgia. Retrieved 5 March 2011.
  3. ↑ "Unique 10th-century Kumurdo Cathedral to be restored". 4 February 2016.
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