I will briefly dwell on the
appreciation part of my speech, lest human praise hinder and harm
the grace granted by God, which is invisible to the physical eye
and man experiences it internally.
I am gladdened today, because the
graduates have presented themselves very well!
I am gladdened that their current
success is the result of a close, joint cooperation with teachers -
the older ones work and the younger ones, as a fertile soil, give
us the benefits of that work. We are all witnessing it, today.
I am glad that each of these
students has acquired the skill of dealing with samples of old wall
painting being completely free from fear that they will damage the
sanctity!
It is very good that all this is
happening in the bosom of the Church, because the Church is the
primary owner of churches and monasteries, our cultural heritage,
and therefore, is obligated to take care of it, not superficially,
not in haste, but with deep knowledge of this specialty, this
issue. I am gladdened because today I saw it!
The very fact that students are
making plaster and working on the wall assigned for the process of
practice, likewise, they would on an oldest wall painting, is very
important. It is significant that one feels their meekness and
propriety while they are working on each figure of the composition.
When we enter the space of the temple and start to use our skills,
the most important thing is to remember Who we are standing before
and how we are standing.
The words of gratitude belong
first of all to God, and then to the Catholicos-Patriarch. Today,
we are witnessing one of the visible miracles as the students have
presented themselves with dignity as the children of the Church.
Their speech is logical, deeply thought out, based on knowledge,
which cannot be shaken by anything, likewise the fact that God’s
grace, this invisible treasure, is in the heart of each of us, and
neither rust nor thieves can overpower it.
Considering the circumstances
that are created around the Church or are taking place today, such
a future generation is very necessary and important. It is
indispensable for the Church to have a solid foundation, and not a
superficial one, because, by God’s grace, our country has many
churches and monasteries, which need help. In addition, if
something is damaged, it is done not only because of a superficial
approach and lack of knowledge, but also because of covetousness.
In these conditions, these young people acquire knowledge and work
selflessly.
I think that the very decision of
the Minister of Culture that the excellent students presented by us
will be financed and sent to the world’s leading restoration
centers, where they will receive education and experience, is first
of all the merit of our Patriarch and then of each of you who did
not let down the thoughts and hope of our Catholic-Patriarch.
I would like to thank the Rector
of TTAS, Father Giorgi Zviadadze. We all remember how much time and
how many years it took for this school to become what it is today
and to acquire the function that God had determined from the
beginning, which is to be the central educational institution of
knowledge and faith.
Wall painting is not just about
drawing a contour well with a brush, it is first of all a deep
knowledge, it is a necessary inner prayerful mood which each of you
should work with, whether when you have to do with an icon or a
wall painting.
This skill or habit of these
people is politeness before us and modesty before God.
The success you have attained at
present is the result of your teachers’ tireless work, who
supervised your activities; it is the fruit of their unremitting
work done together with their students night and day.
It is good when others see such a
diploma defense and presentation, as well as it is covered on
television and in the press. I would wish the students of
Ecclesiastical Architecture and other faculties to attend the
defense of the works of the students of the Faculty of Icon
Painting and Restoration of Easel and Monumental Icon Painting. In
addition, joint projects should be done.
It was said here that in carrying
out restoration work, each student damaged not his own work, but
the work of others. After that, you should be able to damage your
own work as well. There is no need to fear. I remember when I was a
child, when I was saving my old paintings, my father, who was an
artist by profession, noticed it and asked me, what are you saving?
Old paintings – I answered. Then he advised me not to spare to
throw away whatever I did not like among my paintings, so that I
did not stay attached to my weak or strong ones.
Likewise, I advise you, do not be
afraid to damage it, because you are acquiring your skills while
working on a foam wall. You must acquire the necessary skills now
and here, along with standing before the holy objects with
reverence.
You know God’s history and it is
very important because you are to experience what you are
doing!
This activity reveals your
personality to others. If in Georgia, you are the ambassadors of
your family, beyond Georgia you are the ambassadors of your nation
and country!
You are people who can promulgate
objective information about our country the world over!
Be like this always!
I am happy and grateful for
that!
May God bless you!
24. 06. 2022.