FACULTY OF EXACT AND NATURAL SCIENCES
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Archimandrite Ephraim, the Abbot of Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos, visited Tbilisi State University (TSU) and delivered a public lecture titled “Spirituality in the Modern Era” to students and faculty.
TSU Rector, Academician Jaba Samushia; Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia, Levan Ghirshiashvili; a delegation from the Vatopedi Monastery, as well as Georgian monks working on Mount Athos attended the public lecture.
“Mount Athos is special to Georgians. The amazing contributions of Georgians to the Monastery of Iviron are noteworthy. Books were translated there, which was a way to bring science to Georgia. This was of great importance for strengthening our country and our Mother Church,” said TSU Rector Jaba Samushia. The Rector presented Archimandrite Ephraim with an icon of the Virgin Mary, which will be enshrined in the Vatopedi Monastery on behalf of the university.
Rector Samushia asked Archimandrite Ephraim to support Georgian scholars studying the Georgian treasures - books and manuscripts - in the monasteries of Mount Athos.
In his address to students and academics, Archimandrite Ephraim noted that the Vatopedi Monastery would open its gates and its heart to the scholars and give them the opportunity to study the heritage of the Georgian Fathers scientifically. “The other monasteries of Mount Athos enjoy autonomy, but we will do our utmost to help you. Observing the commandments of Christ is not a legal matter, but the more a person observes them, the more love they have,” said Archimandrite Ephraim.
During the public lecture, the Abbot of the Vatopedi Monastery announced that he would award a one-year scholarship to 10 students from large families. At the end of the lecture, Archimandrite Ephraim answered questions.
In connection with the Abbot's visit, old printed church books kept in the TSU library were exhibited at the TSU museum. These books were printed in the printing houses of Vakhtang VI, Erekle II, and Sachkhere. Scientific works dedicated to the activities of the monasteries of the Holy Mount Athos were
