Embrace Sacred Places
Gelati Monastery - Kutaisi, Georgia
The Gelati Monastery is 8 kilometers from Kutaisi. It is a moving tribute to the Christian faith and was also a center of neo-platonic philosophy.
The Monastery was founded by King Davit Agmashenebeli (David the Builder) in 1106.
The monastery served as a major cultural inellectual center where scientists, philosophers and theologians lived and worked.
King Davit brought reknown intellectuals to Gelati, among them: Johannes Petritzi, a Neo-Platonic philosopher who translated Proclus, and
Arsen Ikaltoeli, a monk influenced by Aristotelian thought who compiled theological philosophies in his Dogmatikon, (book of teachings).
Aside from photos of the buildings (including the simple new monks quarters) there are over 100 photos of mural paintings covering ceilings
and walls of the church. The primary church is dedicated to The Blessed Virgin (Mary) or The Virgin, the Blessed. They are incredibly touching
in their survival of wars, violence and even local vandalism and give the viewer an insight into the enthusiasm, dramatic color and faith of the
society of this center in pursuit of enduring ideals.
Gelati Monastery Buildings
Gelati Monastery Paintings and Miscellenious
