I could begin this lecture with many topics: with the first lines of the Nicene Creed or with any catechism textbook. However, before touching on these matters, I want to start with the meaning of the Church itself. This may sound simple, even childlike, but everything important begins with something simple. “I believe… (The Nicene Creed)… in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.” As we see, this is a matter of faith, because the words begin with “I believe.” It is not

Fr. Dr. Andria Saria This section gives a general overview of Georgian ecclesiastical–historical literature and its main character. It also discusses the beginning of complex Georgian hagiographical writing, especially translations. Hagiography developed in Georgia both before the tenth century and after it.Hagiography comes from the Greek words “hagios” (holy) and “grapho” (to write). It is a part of Christian religious literature that describes the lives, works, and sometim

Fr. Dr. Andria Saria Dear beloved brothers and sisters, Today I would like to speak about life according to the Gospel. In the Gospel, the word "life" is understood in a deep and elevated way. Often, it is closely connected with the soul. We hear these words in the Gospel: “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his life? For what can a man give in return for his life?” (Mark 8:36–37). When I preach about these words, I understand "life" as the soul.