THE JEWISH COMMUNITY OF MTSKHETA AND SAINT NINO

Abstract

The old Georgian writing paid significant attention to the Christianization of Kartli. The creation, ,,Mokcevai Qartlisai” fully reflects that process. That fact was so important for the author Leontiy Mroveli that he almost completely included that creation in his opus. The historians simultaneously describe to us the process of the spreading of the Christian religion in Kartli and emphasize the great merit of Jewish people in this process. The saint Nino, who directly supported the spreading of Christianity in the Kartli region, was trying to communicate with the local Jewish community because they supported the messianic ideas; they were the guardians of biblical sanctities. They were the representatives of the first Jewish-Christian community who were preaching the Christian religion. The Jews of Mtskheta preserved the memory of the prophet Elijah and the robe of Christ for generations. Hence, that fact emphasized their important sacred significance. The saint Nino interminably preached Christianity, so she always accentuated the significance of those purities. The saint Nino started her mission with the Christianization of the ordinary citizens and finally became closer with the royal family. The queen Nana, who was from Cappadocia, like Nino was, had a significant impact on King Mirian's decision. Hence, she prepared the ground for the spearing of a new faith among all territories of the kingdom. Nino relied on Jews. They were her apostles and like-minded people.

Key words: Jewish community, Christianity, the state religion, the saint Nino, biblical relics