“Our fellow citizens and foreign visitors will be able to see such masterpieces from now on as Khakhuli Triptych, Ancha Icon, Atskuri Icon of Theotokos (Virgin Mary),” said Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia while delivering a speech at the inauguration of the Christian Treasure Chamber at the National Museum of Georgia today.

According to the PM, Christian treasure had been created over centuries with advanced technologies, knowledge and splendid taste of Georgian masters, which has been transferred from one generation to another over the course of the history.

“These masterpieces evidence the uninterrupted tradition of Christian art in Georgia and a connection with antique traditions. Close links of our country with the antique world have significantly conditioned the place of our country in the Christian world and European path of development.

Georgia of medieval times, being a key strategic country, has a history reflected in its art, which has been maintaining its individual national traditions with traditions of the humankind.

Each artifact exhibited in the treasure has its own history. They had been kept at churches and monasteries over centuries. Later, especially in Soviet times, they were deposited at museums. Georgian scientists managed to save this unique treasure and national pride even in the conditions of communist rule with their selfless work and – often – sacrifice to maintain them for the future generations” noted Irakli Garibashvili.

As the Head of Government of Georgia noted, research and study as well as protection of the treasure is of course related to such celebrated scientists as Eqvtime Takaishvili, Giorgi Chubinishvili, Shalva Amiranashvili and others.

“I wish to particularly single out the deeds of St. Eqvtime Takaishvili. You may well be aware that he pampered this treasure of our country in the most difficult conditions of emigration during 25 years. For this tremendous merit, you all know, our Mother Church canonized him as a saint and named him St. Eqvtime – The Man of God.

Let me repeat that this event is dedicated to 46th Anniversary of Enthronement of our precious Patriarch and 90th Anniversary from his birth, as the Director of the Museum has already told us. Special attitude of His Holiness to the past and knowledge is commonly known to all,”the PM added.