Versions Of Death Of Anton (Giorgadze) Metropolitan Of Kutaisi

Abstract

In the history of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Georgia, the Metropolitan of Kutaisi Anton (Giorgadze) holds a distinct place among high priests. 1918 was a tragic year for the Georgian orthodox church, unexpectedly it lost two high Priest: Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia Kirion and Metropolitan of Kutaisi Anton.

After 3 months of the murder of the Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia, on Septembr 18, 1918 in the afternoon at 13:00 pm, in Archdiocese house (which situated in the ring-fense of Bagrati Cathedral which was destructed in the 80s of the previous century) Metropolitan of Kutaisi Anton passed away unexpectedly.

The metric book of 1918 kept in Kutaisi Aleksandre Neveli cathedral (Soboro) says: “ highly honorable, Metropolitan of Kutaisi Anton, aged 52.”

Regarding Metropolitan Anton’s death, the representatives of the government and the church held several gatherings of the eparchy, formed a funeral commission of Metropolitan.

What happened on September 18, 1918? The case is blurred… just like the
tragedy of Martkopi of June 27, 1918, and the murder of Kirion.

What could be the reason of the decease of 52-year-old Metropolitan Anton -
murder or a death?!

This article presents different versions regarding his death on the basis of the
archive documents, materials of historiography and periodicals.