University of Georgia, Tamaz Beradze Institute of Georgian Studies
Senior Research Fellow
Doctor of History
Tbilisi, Georgia
Abstract
Abstract
From the second half of the 19th century, the emergence of the church press in Georgia became an integral part of an institutional process that, alongside discussions on Christian religious issues, also addressed political, social, and cultural matters, thereby enhancing the public role of the church. This study examines the content of the first Georgian ecclesiastical journals, including „The Ecclesiastical Herald of Georgia“ (sakartvelos sasuliero makharobeli) (1864-1868), „The Shepherd“ (mts'qemsi) (1885-1910) „Ecclesiastical Herald of the Georgian Exarchate“ (sakartvelos saegzarkosos sasuliero moambe) (1891-1916), „The Word“ (sit'qva) (1906), „Household Affairs“ (shinauri sakmeebi) (1908-1916), „The Cross of the Vine“ (jvari vazisa) (1906), „Dawn“ (gantiadi) (1908-1916). Only one—„Theological Herald of the Georgian Exarchate“ (1891–1916) — was an official publication established by the authorities, whereas the others were created by community initiatives, representing local national interests. These journals featured educational content, articles on Georgian history, Information and research on manuscripts, historical sources, cultural monuments, and antiquities. Additionally, they supported the restoration of the Georgian Church’s autocephaly, abolished by the Russian Empire, and covered social and political issues, expressing a clear demand for strengthening Georgian national consciousness. This research aims to assess the role of ecclesiastical journalism as an effective mechanism for scientific, social, and religious communication. Furthermore, it seeks to analyse the influence of church journalism on the formation of Georgian national identity and societal processes under Russian imperial rule, amidst intense russification policies. Special attention is given to the social and educational functions of the church press and its impact on the development of Georgia’s intellectual environment. The study examines the models by which journalism articulated national identity and societal needs. It highlights how church journalism evolved into a crucial medium for public communication, serving not only religious discourse but also the articulation of local and national interests, preserving identity, and protecting cultural heritage. Georgian ecclesiastical publications supported the “autocephalous movement”, addressed social and political matters, and reflected the growing demand for strengthening Georgian self-awareness.