Altars in Medieval Georgian Churches. Preliminary Notes on Their Arrangement, Decoration, and the Rite of Consecration

Medieval Georgian altars, often plain but occasionally adorned with crosses or complex figural decorations, were found to hold deep symbolic significance as places of sacrifice. Archaeological and written sources reveal that these altars were typically surmounted by canopies, with one surviving example from the 18th century showcasing a rich structure that underscores Gelati Monastery's tradition as the 'Second Jerusalem.' The study also highlights the rite of consecration, translated in the 10th–11th centuries, and the materials used in altar construction. By analyzing liturgical texts alongside archaeological evidence, researchers uncovered the multifaceted roles of altars in medieval Georgian churches, blending practical and symbolic elements.

Chitishvili, N. (2021). Altars in Medieval Georgian Churches. Preliminary Notes on Their Arrangement, Decoration, and the Rite of Consecration. Georgia as a Bridge between Cultures, 90–115. https://doi.org/10.1484/m.convisup-eb.5.130912