An Independent Svanetian Man - A Journey Of Gabriel - The Bishop Of Imereti In Svaneti 1866 -1873

Abstract

The article describes a journey of Gabriel the bishop of Imereti in Svaneti, which happened two times (1866-1873). The bishop Gabriel visited Svaneti in times when Christianity faced the danger of disappearance. His endeavor and exploits played he great role in terms of strengthening the Christian faith in Svaneti. The bishop gave huge attention to inserting the education issues in Svaneti. He asked the organization “Christianity Reconciliation Society” to assign seven scholarships to students from Svaneti, one of the scholarship holders was Besarion Nijaradze.

Is enormous, wither in terms of strengthening Christian faith or developing education policy. Bishop Gabriel enjoyed the huge positive publicity. His support was largely appreciated by the locals, his death caused great grief and public mourning in Svaneti.