VARIABILITY OF TYPICON IN THE GEORGIAN CHURCH PRACTICE AND FEATURES OF THE INTERPRETATION OF ANDREW CRETE’S ,,GREAT CANON“

Abstract

Similar to other Orthodox countries, Church Regularities or Typicon was changed several times in Georgia too. It is known that until the 10th century, Georgia was linked with Palestinian liturgical practice (Jerusalem Lectionary). One of the earlier Georgian church books is named Lectionary reflects Jerusalem church practice during 5th – 10th centuries. There are several editions of Lectionary. During a certain period of time, Typicon of Athos, the so-called Mtsire Svinaksari translated by Euthymius the Hagiorite (955-1024) functioned at church initially. Later it was translated by George the Hagiorite (1008-1065) Didi Svinaksari. The latter is a complete edition of Hagia Sophia Typicon which included the elements of liturgical practices of Stoudios and Athos monasteries. Georgian divine service was directed by Didi Svinaksari until new, Palestinian Typicon which was translated by order of the King David the Builder at Shio-Mghvime Monastery in the 12th century and so-called Shio-Mghvime Typicon. In the topic we will discuss how the variability of Typicons affects the interpretation of Andrew Crete’s Great Canon in the Georgian Church practice.