On June 12, 2025, Deacon Genadi Tlashadze defended his master’s thesis. The topic of the thesis was “Theological Analysis of the Epistles Related to the Catholicos Kirion of Kartli”. The session of the defense was held at Tbilisi Theological Academy and Seminary. The Supervisor of the work done by the student was Doctor of Theology, Professor, Archpriest Maxime Chanturia, the reviewer was the consultant of the Department of Biblical Studies of TTAS, Doctor of Theology Irakli Orzhonia; linguistic analysis of the work was rendered by Doctor of Philology, Khatuna Nishnianidze.
The session was chaired by the Rector of Tbilisi Theological Academy and Seminary, Doctor of Theology, Philology and Political Sciences, Professor, Protosyngellos Giorgi Zviadadze.
The Dean of the Academy, Archpriest Ioane Kvanchiani introduced the agenda to the audience.
The student, Deacon Genadi Tlashadze presented the main conclusions drawn from his research, and noted that the qualification thesis represented his study done from a theological perspective of the epistles of the 6th-7th century Georgian figure – Kirion, Catholicos of Kartli. The epistles are included in the “Book of Epistles”, a unique document describing relations between the Church of Kartli and the Church of Armenia). The student thoroughly elucidated that the religious confession of the aforementioned Catholicos fully agrees with the teachings preserved in the Orthodox Church and refuted the erroneous opinion widespread in historiography about the Monothelite confession of the Catholicos of Kartli, as well as the assumption regarding the identification of Catholicos Kirion I of Kartli with the Monothelite Cyrus of Pazisi who was later condemned for heresy. He based these conclusions on his in-depth study and analysis done on the five epistles written in Armenian by Catholicos Kirion, and included in the “Book of Epistles” and Ukhtanes’ work – “History of the Separation of the Georgians from the Armenians”.
Based on a deep and thorough theological analysis of the epistles related to Catholicos Kirion of Kartli, the master’s student concluded that studying the epistles from a theological perspective made the significance of his contribution to the Georgian nation even clearer.
“During the time of confrontation between the Orthodox faith and heretical doctrines, which we can boldly call epochal, when distinguishing the truth was in itself very difficult, Catholicos Kirion gradually separated Kartli, which was in a difficult situation, from the corrupting heresies and brought the Georgian nation into the bosom of salvation.”
Kirion I shrewdly used the existing international political situation and began implementing a well-thought-out national-spirited policy of the Church, the main idea of which was to strengthen the Orthodox faith in the newly restored political state of “All Kartli” and introduce Georgian as its language of worship. The idea of the unity of the Georgian nation, voiced by Giorgi Merchule in the 10th century, is an echo of the national spirit of Catholicos Kirion: “Kartli is the vast land where the Holy Liturgy is celebrated and every prayer is offered in the Georgian language,” - concluded the master’s degree student.
The Head of the Department of Church History, Patristics and Dogmatics, Master of Theology, Priest Giorgi Janjghava presented to the members of the Commission the conclusion of the scientific supervisor, Archpriest Maxim Chanturia which reads: “The master’s thesis, entitled “Theological Analysis of the Epistles of the Catholicos Kirion of Kartli”, represents a study of high scientific value, which will make a significant contribution to Georgian theological science. The author of the work, Deacon Genadi Tlashadze has thoroughly studied the epistles of the Catholicos Kirion of Kartli, discussed their historical and theological context, and analyzed their significance, both in terms of dogmatic teachings and in terms of the history of the Church of Georgia and its autocephaly.” The reviewer, Mr. Irakli Orzhonia spoke about the merits of the work, important conclusions and significant innovations obtained as a result of the research. He emphasized the student’s special diligence, eagerness to learn and interest shown throughout his scientific research.
The student provided comprehensive and qualified answers to the questions asked by the Chairman of the Commission, Protosyngellos Giorgi Zviadadze and the members of the commission.
Significant opinions and assessments regarding the thesis were expressed by Doctor of Philology and Theology, Academician of Gelati Academy of Sciences, Professor Edisher Chelidze, Doctor of Philology, Professor Gvantsa Koplatadze, Dean of the Faculty of the TTAS Academy, Archpriest Ioane Kvanchiani, and others.
The Commission of Defense of Master’s Thesis, chaired by the Rector of TTAS, Protosyngellos Giorgi Zviadadze, evaluated the thesis of Deacon Genadi Tlashadze with the highest score and unanimously awarded him the degree of Master of Theology.
The defense of the master’s degree thesis was attended by the members of the Academic Council of Tbilisi Theological Academy and Seminary, teachers, professors and students of the institution. It is noteworthy that the session was attended by Deacon Genadi Tlashadze’s Spiritual Father, the archpriest serving in St. Nicholas Cathedral in Gori, Gedeon Shalashvili.
The Rector of Tbilisi Theological Academy and Seminary, Protosyngellos Giorgi Zviadadze congratulated the student on the successful defense of the thesis and wished him further fruitful work.
