Kumurdo Cathedral

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. The cathedral was restored twice (1930; 1970–1980), but it stands without a dome. In 2015, a project for full reconstruction of the cathedral was developed.[3]

Kumurdo Cathedral
კუმურდოს ტაძარი
Kumurdo Cathedral
Religion
AffiliationGeorgian Orthodox
Ecclesiastical or organizational statusCathedral
Location
LocationKumurdo, Akhalkalaki District, Georgia
Shown within Georgia
Geographic coordinates41.3946207°N 43.3596331°E / 41.3946207; 43.3596331
Architecture
Completed10th century during the reign of King Leon III of Abkhazia

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 relief portrait of Queen Gurandukht, the mother of King Bagrat III.

Epigraphy of the church

  • With God's help, the bishop Iovane laid the foundation of this church by my hand — of the sinful Sakotsari.

  • Holy church, protect and pardon your servants and all your builders on that Day of Judgement; mention the wretched Giorgi in your prayer.

  • Inscription of the Bishop Iovane (964).

Christ, have mercy on the Bishop Iovane, builder of this, on that day.

  • Feast day inscription of the Eristavi Vache (964).

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.

  • Feast day inscription of Goliat (10th-11th centuries).

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.

  • Inscription of Zosime Kumurdoeli (1027-1072).

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.

  • Inscriptions on the tympanum of the western entrance to the chapel (1511-1525).

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
  • (in Georgian) ვალერი სილოგავა, კუმურდოს ტაძრის ეპიგრაფიკა. თბილისი, 1994.

References
  1. "Kumurdo Church". Georgian patriarchate, Eparchy of Shemoqmedi. Archived from the original on 21 July 2011. 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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