„მეხელთა“ მოღვაწეობის ისტორიიდან (სტეფანე სანანოსიძე ჭყონდიდელი)
On the History of Mekhelni’s Activity (Stephane Sananoisdze – Chqondideli)

Summary/Abstract: (Stephane Sananoisdze – Chqondideli) Summary 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.

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