| Deprived of its full
right to exist under Imperial Russia and persecuted by the Soviet Union, the Orthodox
Church of Georgia had to wait for the break-up of the USSR and the creation of
an independent Georgia before it could enjoy its freedom once more. However, the
Church faced the daunting task of rebuilding its clergy, reconstructing its destroyed
monuments and reclaiming its looted holy relics and treasures, as well as redefining
its former place within society. Witness Through Troubled Times is the
first in-depth study of the subject to appear in English. Written by prominent
church historians from Georgia, new research illuminates the as yet untold story
of the struggles and hardship faced not only by the Church but by a whole nation
as it suffered a systematic onslaught on its age-old culture and religion. After
the annexation of Georgia by Tsarist Russia in the early 19th century, the Church
immediately came under threat. In 1811, Russia removed its independence by placing
it under the authority of the Russian Orthodox Church – a major step in the
wider plan to russify and absorb the Georgian nation into the empire. Although
the 20th century brought further oppression under the Soviet Union, the Georgian
Church never ceased its resistance nor stopped hoping that one day it would regain
its independence and true identity. Edited by Tamara Grdzelidze (Faith
and Order Secretariat, World Council of Churches, Geneva), Martin George (Institute
of Historical Theology, University of Berne), & Rev Lukas Vischer (Association
of the Friends of Georgia, Switzerland).
– 272 pages, Illustrated
with maps
Published
by Bennett & Bloom, 2006 | 
