"მეხელთა" მოღვაწეობის ისტორიიდან (სტეფანე სანანოისძე - ჭყონდიდელი)

აბსტრაქტი

სტატიიდან აღებული ავტორის ინგლისურენოვანი რეზიუმე:

Key words: Stephane Sananoisdze – Chkondideli, hymnography, St.

Stephen the first martyr. Georgian hymnographers of the 10th century create “Golden Age” in the history of Georgian hymnography. Among them there is Stephane Sananoisdze whose creativity has been less studied in scholarly literature. According to Academician K.Kekelidze, Stephane Sananoisdze must have lived and created in the 10th century or in the last quarter of this century (Kekelidze 1960: 180). The name of this hymn-writer is mentioned with great respect in the decree of Ruis- Urbnisi Church Council. Under Stephane Sananoisdze’s name two hymns included in Michael Modrekili’s collection of hymns “Iadgari” (978-988) have been preserved. The first of them is devoted to the festivals of our Lord: the Baptism of Christ and commemoration of the saint martyr Abo Tbileli and the second one - to Stephane the first martyr.

The hymns were published by P. Ingorokva (Ingorokva 1913: 135-142). As is seen, Stephane Sananoisdze was also engaged in translational activity. Several of his translations are indicated in scholarly literature. They are: “Akathistos” to the Virgin, “The Life of Theoktiste of Lesbos” and Gregory of Nyssa’s “The Praise to Saint Stephen the First Martyr”. These translations have not yet been published and studied. According to the data of a well-known 11 th -century Georgian scholar, Ephrem Mtsire, Stephane Sananoisdze also had other translations which have not yet been revealed. According to the data came down to us, we must suggestion that Stephane Sananoisdze was an extremely important figure, less known today.

His creative works require monographic study. In our view, while determining Stephane Sananoisdze’s period of activity the following circumstance is to be taken into account: Stephane Sananoisdze’s hymn preserved in Michael Modrekili’s “Iadgari”, which is dedicated to the Baptism and St. Abo, the following title is supplemented: “The Blessed Stephane Sananoisdze - Chqondidi . Christ, great mercy to their soul”. According to this title by the time of compilation of the collection (978-988) Stephane Sananoisdze had already died. This fact does not change the circumstance that he must have been a scholar of the 10th century. This is also evidenced from the language of his hymns – classical, perfect old Georgian which is typical for great Georgian hymn-writers of the 10th century.

Stephane Sananoisdze’s hymns rank among the most perfect specimens of the old Georgian ecclesiastic poetry. They represent a blend of author’s deep theological education and artistic skill. Another obvious sign characteristic to a great artist is compositional wholeness of his hymns and sequence of thought - multifaceted understanding of one theme. In Stephane Sananoisdze’s hymn which is devoted to the Baptism special importance of this feast is clearly expressed, also St. Abo’s contribution whose commemoration in Georgian church is set on the very same day (January 6). National tendencies are clearly felt in the hymn. Stephane, the first martyr is also the object of Stephane Sananoisdze’s special attention.

It was he to whom II hymn included in Michael Modrekili’s “Iadgari” is devoted. The study of the hymn testifies to the fact that the author is familiar with St.Stephen’s “Martyrdom”, the Georgian translation of which is included in “Sinaitic Polycephalion” (Sinuri Mravaltavi) of 864 AD. The comparison has shown that Stephane Sananoisdze starts with the vision of the saint. According to the saint’s “Martyrdom” describes he also the death of St.Stephen, the first martyr. Thus, the hagiographic composition – St. Stephen’s “Martyrdom”, is one of the most important sources of Stephane Sananoisdze’s hymn. This hymn of is remarkable for its melody and dynamics.

It is rhythmical that is a rarity in the history of Georgian hymnography. Interestingly, Stephane Sananoisdze translated from Greek Gregory of Nyssa’s “The Praise to St.Stephen, the First Martyr”. When working on Michael Modrekili’s “Iandagi” our attention in this collection was paid to the repetition of the formula of entreaty: “Christ, have a mercy on Stephane!” In all instances this formula is written with Michael’s own hand. It is often included in hymn titles themselves. In a number of cases it is inscribed with an alphabet known as Asomtavruli at the end of some sets of hymns. The majority of the mentioned hymns have an index to authors in the manuscript.

Thus, Stephane’s authorship is excluded. Stephane is neither a manuscript copyist. The establishment of his identity became possible with the help of an inscription in MS 200r written with Michael’s own hand: “Lord, have a mercy on Stephane – my spiritual father!” Thus, Stephane who is mentioned not but once in Michael Modrekili’s “Iadgari”, is Michael Modrekili’s spiritual father. The mentioning of spiritual fathers in the colophons by manuscript copyists is common but turning it into the formula of entreaty is rarely found. Such attitude, on the one hand, clearly shows Michael Modrekili as a devoted and worthy disciple, and, on the other hand, arousers interest in studying the identity of his spiritual father Stephane.

Presumably, Michael Modrekili’s spiritual father was Stephane Sananoisdze - Chkondideli, the character and scale of whose activity, as is seen, was also exemplary.

გამოქვეყნებულია ჟურნალში „სჯანი“, ტ. 14 (2013), გვ. 108–113. ნაშრომის გახსნა