E-JOURNALS OF UNIVERSITY SULKHAN-SABA ORBELIANI
Not a member yet
300 research outputs found
Sort by
The Martyrdom of St. Queen Ketevan through the Poetic Vision of Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani
No full textThe poem recounting the martyrdom of Queen Ketevan was composed by her son, King Teimuraz I (1589-1663), between 1627 and 1628. „The Torture and Book of Queen Ketevan“ presents a historical account of the final period in the life of the Queen of Kakheti – Saint Ketevan (1560-1624) – chronicling her torture and unwavering dedication to the Christian faith. As a later addition to the original poem, three stanzas written by Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani are incorporated, which directly depict Ketevan’s suffering. However, unlike Teimuraz’s original and predominantly realistic narrative, Orbeliani emphasizes the spiritual and aesthetic dimensions of the queen’s torture from the outset. This distinctive vision stems from a profound understanding of the religious significance of the martyrdom itself. Orbeliani transforms the depiction of torture into an act of beautification, presenting the martyr’s suffering as perfect adornment that enhances bodily beauty. The torture loses its tragic content as the poet reimagines it through the metaphor of a queen standing before a mirror, beautifying her face and body. From Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani’s Christian perspective, true beauty emerges when an individual presents themselves before God in spiritual perfection. The saint who sacrifices their body in faithfulness to the Christian faith represents the highest form of beauty. This study examines how Orbeliani’s poetic intervention reframes the narrative of martyrdom, transforming physical suffering into spiritual transcendence and aesthetic perfection.The poem recounting the martyrdom of Queen Ketevan was composed by her son, King Teimuraz I (1589-1663), between 1627 and 1628. „The Torture and Book of Queen Ketevan“ presents a historical account of the final period in the life of the Queen of Kakheti – Saint Ketevan (1560-1624) – chronicling her torture and unwavering dedication to the Christian faith. As a later addition to the original poem, three stanzas written by Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani are incorporated, which directly depict Ketevan’s suffering. However, unlike Teimuraz’s original and predominantly realistic narrative, Orbeliani emphasizes the spiritual and aesthetic dimensions of the queen’s torture from the outset. This distinctive vision stems from a profound understanding of the religious significance of the martyrdom itself. Orbeliani transforms the depiction of torture into an act of beautification, presenting the martyr’s suffering as perfect adornment that enhances bodily beauty. The torture loses its tragic content as the poet reimagines it through the metaphor of a queen standing before a mirror, beautifying her face and body. From Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani’s Christian perspective, true beauty emerges when an individual presents themselves before God in spiritual perfection. The saint who sacrifices their body in faithfulness to the Christian faith represents the highest form of beauty. This study examines how Orbeliani’s poetic intervention reframes the narrative of martyrdom, transforming physical suffering into spiritual transcendence and aesthetic perfection
Emanuel Vardidze‘s Calendar in Kalistrate Tsintsadze‘s Archive
No full textThis study examines a previously unknown archival document discovered within the personal collection of Catholicos-Patriarch Kalistrate Tsintsadze (1866-1952), housed at the Korneli Kekelidze National Centre of Manuscripts of Georgia. The document, catalogued as „’1927 წლის კათოლიკე ეკლესიის კალენდარი’. – გამოც. პ. ემანუილ ვარდიძისა [1927 Catholic Church Calendar. – Published by P. Emanuel Vardidze],“ represents a significant archival discovery absent from the documented bibliography of „ქართული წიგნი [Georgian Book]“ and unreferenced in existing scholarly literature. The artifact is a bilingual wall calendar titled „1927 წლის კათოლიკე ეკლესიის კალენდარი. 1927. Римско-католический календарь на 1927 год [1927 Catholic Church Calendar].“ Produced on high-quality white printing paper with exceptional typographical craftsmanship, the calendar presents both civil and ecclesiastical observances in Georgian and Russian. Notably, supplementary information including editorial attribution (“Published by P. Emanuel Vardidze”), censorship approval, and printing details appear exclusively in Georgian, suggesting formal publication under the communist-atheistic regime. “P. Emanuel Vardidze“ refers to Padre Emanuel Vardidze (1886-1966), a distinguished ecclesiastical and public figure educated in Rome with multilingual capabilities and authority to celebrate liturgical rites in Latin, Greek, and Assyrian-Chaldean traditions. Despite persecution, repeated arrests, and exile under Soviet authorities, he served as Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Church of Georgia until his death. His under-researched biography gains significant scholarly value through recently discovered archival materials, including this calendar, church registers from the village of Ude, reports to the Council of Ministers of Georgia regarding Catholic churches, and documentation of his 1928 arrest during an attempted illegal border crossing into Turkey, as reported in the „კომუნისტი“ [Communist] newspaper. The calendar holds considerable analytical significance from multiple perspectives. It represents the first Georgian Catholic Church calendar to adopt the Gregorian system, replacing the previously used Julian calendar, and stands as the sole example of Catholic publication produced under Soviet rule. The historical context of its production and distribution contributes substantially to understanding Emanuel Vardidze’s biographical and intellectual profile, offering new insights into Catholic Church survival strategies during one of the most repressive periods in Georgian religious history.This study examines a previously unknown archival document discovered within the personal collection of Catholicos-Patriarch Kalistrate Tsintsadze (1866-1952), housed at the Korneli Kekelidze National Centre of Manuscripts of Georgia. The document, catalogued as „’1927 წლის კათოლიკე ეკლესიის კალენდარი’. – გამოც. პ. ემანუილ ვარდიძისა [1927 Catholic Church Calendar. – Published by P. Emanuel Vardidze],“ represents a significant archival discovery absent from the documented bibliography of „ქართული წიგნი [Georgian Book]“ and unreferenced in existing scholarly literature. The artifact is a bilingual wall calendar titled „1927 წლის კათოლიკე ეკლესიის კალენდარი. 1927. Римско-католический календарь на 1927 год [1927 Catholic Church Calendar].“ Produced on high-quality white printing paper with exceptional typographical craftsmanship, the calendar presents both civil and ecclesiastical observances in Georgian and Russian. Notably, supplementary information including editorial attribution (“Published by P. Emanuel Vardidze”), censorship approval, and printing details appear exclusively in Georgian, suggesting formal publication under the communist-atheistic regime. “P. Emanuel Vardidze“ refers to Padre Emanuel Vardidze (1886-1966), a distinguished ecclesiastical and public figure educated in Rome with multilingual capabilities and authority to celebrate liturgical rites in Latin, Greek, and Assyrian-Chaldean traditions. Despite persecution, repeated arrests, and exile under Soviet authorities, he served as Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Church of Georgia until his death. His under-researched biography gains significant scholarly value through recently discovered archival materials, including this calendar, church registers from the village of Ude, reports to the Council of Ministers of Georgia regarding Catholic churches, and documentation of his 1928 arrest during an attempted illegal border crossing into Turkey, as reported in the „კომუნისტი“ [Communist] newspaper. The calendar holds considerable analytical significance from multiple perspectives. It represents the first Georgian Catholic Church calendar to adopt the Gregorian system, replacing the previously used Julian calendar, and stands as the sole example of Catholic publication produced under Soviet rule. The historical context of its production and distribution contributes substantially to understanding Emanuel Vardidze’s biographical and intellectual profile, offering new insights into Catholic Church survival strategies during one of the most repressive periods in Georgian religious history
EXAGGERATION OF INFORMATION AS AN EXCLUDING FACTOR IN THE QUALIFICATION OF ADVERTISING AS AN UNFAIR COMMERCIAL PRACTICE
No full textThe article offers a legal analysis of advertising as a form of commercial activity and examines its qualification as an unfair commercial practice under Georgian consumer protection legislation and the standards of the UCPD Directive. It demonstrates that the assessment of advertising as unfair depends on two essential prerequisites: (1) a dishonest act by the trader (a breach of professional diligence) and (2) an adverse change in the consumer’s economic behavior. The article argues that the term “good faith” in Article 24 of the Georgian Law on Consumer Protection should be replaced with “professional diligence” in order to eliminate conceptual inconsistency and align the national framework with UCPD standards. The paper further identifies two distinct benchmarks: the average consumer for the general market and the vulnerable consumer in contexts requiring special protection. It also highlights a legislative shortcoming, namely the use of the term “conclusion of the deal” instead of “transactional decision,” which unduly narrows the scope of consumer protection.The third part of the article examines exaggerated advertising, showing that its legal assessment depends on the subjective perception of the average consumer, which is closely linked to cultural and linguistic context. The article concludes that once commercial communication is classified as exaggerated advertising, it inherently excludes both dishonesty and the capacity to adversely influence the consumer’s economic behaviour and, therefore, cannot satisfy the criteria for an unfair commercial practiceThe article offers a legal analysis of advertising as a form of commercial activity and examines its qualification as an unfair commercial practice under Georgian consumer protection legislation and the standards of the UCPD Directive. It demonstrates that the assessment of advertising as unfair depends on two essential prerequisites: (1) a dishonest act by the trader (a breach of professional diligence) and (2) an adverse change in the consumer’s economic behavior. The article argues that the term “good faith” in Article 24 of the Georgian Law on Consumer Protection should be replaced with “professional diligence” in order to eliminate conceptual inconsistency and align the national framework with UCPD standards. The paper further identifies two distinct benchmarks: the average consumer for the general market and the vulnerable consumer in contexts requiring special protection. It also highlights a legislative shortcoming, namely the use of the term “conclusion of the deal” instead of “transactional decision,” which unduly narrows the scope of consumer protection.The third part of the article examines exaggerated advertising, showing that its legal assessment depends on the subjective perception of the average consumer, which is closely linked to cultural and linguistic context. The article concludes that once commercial communication is classified as exaggerated advertising, it inherently excludes both dishonesty and the capacity to adversely influence the consumer’s economic behaviour and, therefore, cannot satisfy the criteria for an unfair commercial practic
LINKING NATURAL RIGHTS AND EVOLUTIONARY LAW: A LESSON FROM BRUNO LEONI
No full textThis paper examines Bruno Leoni’s attempt to reconcile a minimal concept of natural law with an evolutionary, common-law–based legal order. Rejecting both rigid legalism and historicist relativism, Leoni argues that individual freedom is best protected by a polycentric, jurisprudence-driven system grounded in universal ethical principles—most notably the golden rule—while remaining adaptable to social experience. The article contrasts Leoni’s approach with that of libertarian theorists such as Rothbard, Block, and Kinsella, and partly aligns with Frank van Dun’s critique of strict non-aggression legalism. It argues that a coherent libertarian legal theory must combine general moral axioms with the contextual wisdom of legal practice, taking into account causal complexity, historical evolution, and the practical dimension of adjudication. The study concludes that Leoni offers a “third way”: a libertarian legal philosophy rooted in classical natural law, enriched by evolutionary insight, and resistant to both dogmatic codification and relativistic skepticism.This paper examines Bruno Leoni’s attempt to reconcile a minimal concept of natural law with an evolutionary, common-law–based legal order. Rejecting both rigid legalism and historicist relativism, Leoni argues that individual freedom is best protected by a polycentric, jurisprudence-driven system grounded in universal ethical principles—most notably the golden rule—while remaining adaptable to social experience. The article contrasts Leoni’s approach with that of libertarian theorists such as Rothbard, Block, and Kinsella, and partly aligns with Frank van Dun’s critique of strict non-aggression legalism. It argues that a coherent libertarian legal theory must combine general moral axioms with the contextual wisdom of legal practice, taking into account causal complexity, historical evolution, and the practical dimension of adjudication. The study concludes that Leoni offers a “third way”: a libertarian legal philosophy rooted in classical natural law, enriched by evolutionary insight, and resistant to both dogmatic codification and relativistic skepticism
Communicating Values in Political Campaigns: An Analysis of Polish Candidates’ Rhetoric in the 2024 European Parliament Elections
Full text linkThis article is grounded in the hypothesis that political communication is fundamentally shaped by values. Whether acknowledged or not, individuals are consistently situated within a framework of values. The central research questions for this study relate to the purpose, development, and communicative functions of values. To address these, we conduct an analysis of the philosophical and communicative dimensions of values in the pre-election messages for the 2024 European Parliament elections in Poland, focusing on leading representatives (from Lesser Poland) of the major Polish political parties.This article is grounded in the hypothesis that political communication is fundamentally shaped by values. Whether acknowledged or not, individuals are consistently situated within a framework of values. The central research questions for this study relate to the purpose, development, and communicative functions of values. To address these, we conduct an analysis of the philosophical and communicative dimensions of values in the pre-election messages for the 2024 European Parliament elections in Poland, focusing on leading representatives (from Lesser Poland) of the major Polish political parties
Queen Ketevan and Catholicism (A New Reading of the Problem)
No full textBased on primary source analysis, this article examines the question of whether Queen Ketevan (Ketevan the Martyr) converted to Catholicism during her captivity and martyrdom. Through careful research and analysis of contemporary documents, the author reaches several significant conclusions regarding the queen’s religious orientation and its broader implications.The evidence suggests that Catholicism was neither alien nor unacceptable to Queen Ketevan. This conclusion is supported by her active assistance to Augustinian fathers in Shiraz, where she helped equip and decorate their Catholic church. The queen demonstrated particular favor toward the Portuguese Augustinian missionary Ambrosio dos Anjos, who played a crucial role in strengthening her resolve to maintain her Christian faith even unto death, thereby preventing Shah Abbas – the sworn enemy of the Georgians – from achieving a decisive historical and psychological victory over Georgia.At this tragic moment, Father dos Anjos perceived Queen Ketevan as a martyr not specifically for Orthodoxy or Catholicism, but for Christ himself. This perspective explains why Father dos Anjos does not explicitly state whether the queen converted to Catholicism, although he appears to assume such a conversion occurred. This ambiguous position likely prevented Rome from recognizing the queen as a Catholic saint. The author suggests that Father Ambrosio’s distribution of Queen Ketevan’s relics to various locations served to advance the cause of her potential canonization. The analysis indicates that Queen Ketevan would not have experienced significant internal conflict regarding her denominational allegiance during her final tortures, whether she offered her soul to the Lord as an Orthodox or Catholic believer. While the evidence does not conclusively establish that the queen formally converted to Catholicism, it demonstrates her profound love for Catholic missionaries and the Roman Church.Therefore, the author proposes that Queen Ketevan can be understood as a martyr for the Universal Church of Christ, transcending denominational boundaries in her ultimate sacrifice for the Christian faith. This interpretation acknowledges both her Orthodox heritage and her evident openness to Catholic spirituality, presenting her martyrdom as a testament to Christian unity rather than confessional division.Based on primary source analysis, this article examines the question of whether Queen Ketevan (Ketevan the Martyr) converted to Catholicism during her captivity and martyrdom. Through careful research and analysis of contemporary documents, the author reaches several significant conclusions regarding the queen’s religious orientation and its broader implications.The evidence suggests that Catholicism was neither alien nor unacceptable to Queen Ketevan. This conclusion is supported by her active assistance to Augustinian fathers in Shiraz, where she helped equip and decorate their Catholic church. The queen demonstrated particular favor toward the Portuguese Augustinian missionary Ambrosio dos Anjos, who played a crucial role in strengthening her resolve to maintain her Christian faith even unto death, thereby preventing Shah Abbas – the sworn enemy of the Georgians – from achieving a decisive historical and psychological victory over Georgia.At this tragic moment, Father dos Anjos perceived Queen Ketevan as a martyr not specifically for Orthodoxy or Catholicism, but for Christ himself. This perspective explains why Father dos Anjos does not explicitly state whether the queen converted to Catholicism, although he appears to assume such a conversion occurred. This ambiguous position likely prevented Rome from recognizing the queen as a Catholic saint. The author suggests that Father Ambrosio’s distribution of Queen Ketevan’s relics to various locations served to advance the cause of her potential canonization. The analysis indicates that Queen Ketevan would not have experienced significant internal conflict regarding her denominational allegiance during her final tortures, whether she offered her soul to the Lord as an Orthodox or Catholic believer. While the evidence does not conclusively establish that the queen formally converted to Catholicism, it demonstrates her profound love for Catholic missionaries and the Roman Church.Therefore, the author proposes that Queen Ketevan can be understood as a martyr for the Universal Church of Christ, transcending denominational boundaries in her ultimate sacrifice for the Christian faith. This interpretation acknowledges both her Orthodox heritage and her evident openness to Catholic spirituality, presenting her martyrdom as a testament to Christian unity rather than confessional division
REGULATION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELIGENCE: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
No full textUsing comparative legal analysis, this article examines the necessity and feasibility of regulating artificial intelligence (AI) in contemporary law. It asks whether comprehensive and effective AI regulation is achievable given the technology’s complexity and rapid evolution. The European Union is identified as a frontrunner, having adopted two major instruments that together establish ex ante and ex post regulatory frameworks. By contrast, most developed jurisdictions have yet to enact AI-specific legislation, though early initiatives indicate growing recognition of the need for legal oversight. The article critically evaluates proposals to grant legal subjectivity to AI, concluding that such an approach presents significant legal risks and is neither necessary nor advisable. In Georgia, where no dedicated AI framework currently exists, the article outlines potential regulatory models and offers recommendations on core issues to guide the development of national AI legislation.Using comparative legal analysis, this article examines the necessity and feasibility of regulating artificial intelligence (AI) in contemporary law. It asks whether comprehensive and effective AI regulation is achievable given the technology’s complexity and rapid evolution. The European Union is identified as a frontrunner, having adopted two major instruments that together establish ex ante and ex post regulatory frameworks. By contrast, most developed jurisdictions have yet to enact AI-specific legislation, though early initiatives indicate growing recognition of the need for legal oversight. The article critically evaluates proposals to grant legal subjectivity to AI, concluding that such an approach presents significant legal risks and is neither necessary nor advisable. In Georgia, where no dedicated AI framework currently exists, the article outlines potential regulatory models and offers recommendations on core issues to guide the development of national AI legislation
The Torture of Queen Ketevan in Georgian and Foreign Sources
No full textOn September 13, 1624, Georgian Queen Ketevan was brutally tortured in Shiraz by order of Shah Abbas I. Her strength and steadfastness astonished the world. Despite the Shah’s promise that she could live in worldly comfort if she renounced her faith, she refused all inducements and firmly defended Christianity. She remained in fervent prayer until the end, thus morally triumphing over Shah Abbas and his executioners. The torture of Queen Ketevan has been documented by numerous contemporary and near-contemporary sources, including Georgian chroniclers Monk Egnatashvili, Farsadan Gorgijanidze, Vakhushti Bagrationi, and King Teimuraz I; Armenian historian Arakela Davrizhets in Iran; European Catholic missionaries Ambrozios Dush Anjush, Arcangelo Lamberti, Don Christopher de Castel, and Sebastiano di Ezus; French traveller Jean Chardin; and German poet and dramatist Andreas Gryphius. Both Georgian and foreign sources wrote with profound sadness and admiration about Queen Ketevan, who became a symbol of devotion and loyalty to faith – an inspiration for thousands of Georgians exiled in Iran and for believers worldwide. This paper examines the significance of each source in detail and evaluates the provenance and reliability of their accounts.On September 13, 1624, Georgian Queen Ketevan was brutally tortured in Shiraz by order of Shah Abbas I. Her strength and steadfastness astonished the world. Despite the Shah’s promise that she could live in worldly comfort if she renounced her faith, she refused all inducements and firmly defended Christianity. She remained in fervent prayer until the end, thus morally triumphing over Shah Abbas and his executioners. The torture of Queen Ketevan has been documented by numerous contemporary and near-contemporary sources, including Georgian chroniclers Monk Egnatashvili, Farsadan Gorgijanidze, Vakhushti Bagrationi, and King Teimuraz I; Armenian historian Arakela Davrizhets in Iran; European Catholic missionaries Ambrozios Dush Anjush, Arcangelo Lamberti, Don Christopher de Castel, and Sebastiano di Ezus; French traveller Jean Chardin; and German poet and dramatist Andreas Gryphius. Both Georgian and foreign sources wrote with profound sadness and admiration about Queen Ketevan, who became a symbol of devotion and loyalty to faith – an inspiration for thousands of Georgians exiled in Iran and for believers worldwide. This paper examines the significance of each source in detail and evaluates the provenance and reliability of their accounts
Organizational Structure of the Catholic Church in Georgia: Dioceses, Apostolic Administration, History and Perspectives
No full textThe Apostolic Administration of the South Caucasus was established by the Holy See in 1993, encompassing Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan under the jurisdiction of Nuncio Archbishop Jean-Paul Gobel. In 1996, administration was transferred to Father Giuseppe Pasotto, head of the Stigmatine Mission in Kutaisi, marking the beginning of active ecclesiastical development centered in Tbilisi.Over three decades, the local Catholic Church in Georgia has evolved into a fully self-governing ecclesiastical entity. This development has elevated the Apostolic Administration to a higher organizational level, preparing for the restoration of the episcopal see that existed in Tbilisi centuries ago. The titular see of Sebastopolis (Sukhumi) also exists within Georgian territory as the legal successor to the 13th-15th century episcopal see. The restoration of the Catholic episcopal see in Tbilisi represents the correction of historical injustice, supported by thirty years of proven ecclesiastical leadership and the historical precedent of 13th-century episcopal sees. in Georgia can be analysed through three distinct phases. The first stage (1993-2024) witnessed the complete formation of the local Latin Rite Catholic Church through parish restoration and establishment, church construction and renovation (including in uncontrolled territories), religious literature publication, educational center creation, media development (print and internet television), systematic religious education, extensive charitable work, clergy training and local priest ordination, pilgrimage organization, catechism programs, interfaith cooperation, government collaboration, monastic establishment in Istanbul, and papal visits. The second transitional stage began in 2024, characterized by the initiation of canonization proceedings for 14th-century Georgian martyr Demetrius Tbileli, the establishment of an ecclesiastical tribunal, increased visibility of the local Catholic Church, and the formal beginning of procedures to restore the Catholic see in Tbilisi.The third stage will culminate in the transformation of the Latin Rite Apostolic Administration into a full diocese, restoring the Tbilisi Catholic Episcopal See and uniting it with the titular See of Sebastopolis (Sukhumi). This Transformation is projected to occur by 2030, completing the institutional restoration of Catholic episcopal authority in Georgia.The Apostolic Administration of the South Caucasus was established by the Holy See in 1993, encompassing Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan under the jurisdiction of Nuncio Archbishop Jean-Paul Gobel. In 1996, administration was transferred to Father Giuseppe Pasotto, head of the Stigmatine Mission in Kutaisi, marking the beginning of active ecclesiastical development centered in Tbilisi.Over three decades, the local Catholic Church in Georgia has evolved into a fully self-governing ecclesiastical entity. This development has elevated the Apostolic Administration to a higher organizational level, preparing for the restoration of the episcopal see that existed in Tbilisi centuries ago. The titular see of Sebastopolis (Sukhumi) also exists within Georgian territory as the legal successor to the 13th-15th century episcopal see. The restoration of the Catholic episcopal see in Tbilisi represents the correction of historical injustice, supported by thirty years of proven ecclesiastical leadership and the historical precedent of 13th-century episcopal sees. in Georgia can be analysed through three distinct phases. The first stage (1993-2024) witnessed the complete formation of the local Latin Rite Catholic Church through parish restoration and establishment, church construction and renovation (including in uncontrolled territories), religious literature publication, educational center creation, media development (print and internet television), systematic religious education, extensive charitable work, clergy training and local priest ordination, pilgrimage organization, catechism programs, interfaith cooperation, government collaboration, monastic establishment in Istanbul, and papal visits. The second transitional stage began in 2024, characterized by the initiation of canonization proceedings for 14th-century Georgian martyr Demetrius Tbileli, the establishment of an ecclesiastical tribunal, increased visibility of the local Catholic Church, and the formal beginning of procedures to restore the Catholic see in Tbilisi.The third stage will culminate in the transformation of the Latin Rite Apostolic Administration into a full diocese, restoring the Tbilisi Catholic Episcopal See and uniting it with the titular See of Sebastopolis (Sukhumi). This Transformation is projected to occur by 2030, completing the institutional restoration of Catholic episcopal authority in Georgia
ქართველთა შორის წერა-კითხვის გამავრცელებელი საზოგადოების თანამშრომლობა სამცხე-ჯავახეთის კათოლიკე მოსახლეობასთან
Full text linkGeorgia served as a primary area of activity for the Society for Promoting Literacy among Georgians, an organization dedicated to protecting and preserving Georgian national consciousness. To achieve this goal, the Society established public schools, libraries, printing houses, and bookstores throughout the region. One of the Society’s key areas of operation was Samtskhe-Javakheti, where it immediately recognized the challenging educational conditions and the religious division of the population into three distinct groups. The Society paid particular attention to the Catholic community within this religiously diverse region. Through the Society’s efforts, schools were established in several Catholic villages: Khizabavra in 1881, the village of Ude in 1882, and Arali in 1912. These educational institutions provided crucial access to Georgian-language instruction for Catholic communities who might otherwise have been excluded from national educational initiatives. The Society’s commitment to cultural preservation extended beyond formal education through the establishment of libraries in strategic locations: the city of Akhaltsikhe in 1895, the village of Ude in 1897, and Khizabavra in 1905. These libraries served as important repositories of Georgian literature and culture, making educational resources accessible to rural Catholic populations. Through these educational and cultural initiatives, the Catholic population of Samtskhe-Javakheti was able to maintain their Georgian national consciousness while preserving their religious identity. This case study demonstrates how the Society for Promoting Literacy among Georgians successfully navigated the complex intersection of national identity, religious diversity, and educational access in late 19th and early 20th century Georgia.Georgia served as a primary area of activity for the Society for Promoting Literacy among Georgians, an organization dedicated to protecting and preserving Georgian national consciousness. To achieve this goal, the Society established public schools, libraries, printing houses, and bookstores throughout the region. One of the Society’s key areas of operation was Samtskhe-Javakheti, where it immediately recognized the challenging educational conditions and the religious division of the population into three distinct groups. The Society paid particular attention to the Catholic community within this religiously diverse region. Through the Society’s efforts, schools were established in several Catholic villages: Khizabavra in 1881, the village of Ude in 1882, and Arali in 1912. These educational institutions provided crucial access to Georgian-language instruction for Catholic communities who might otherwise have been excluded from national educational initiatives. The Society’s commitment to cultural preservation extended beyond formal education through the establishment of libraries in strategic locations: the city of Akhaltsikhe in 1895, the village of Ude in 1897, and Khizabavra in 1905. These libraries served as important repositories of Georgian literature and culture, making educational resources accessible to rural Catholic populations. Through these educational and cultural initiatives, the Catholic population of Samtskhe-Javakheti was able to maintain their Georgian national consciousness while preserving their religious identity. This case study demonstrates how the Society for Promoting Literacy among Georgians successfully navigated the complex intersection of national identity, religious diversity, and educational access in late 19th and early 20th century Georgia