Kalistrat Tsintsadze House Museum in Tobanieri - Biography and exhibits of the great Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia
The museum in Tobanieri preserves the legacy of Kalistrat Tsintsadze, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. Learn about the life, work and significance of the saint for Georgia through personal and church exhibits.
🏛️ In the picturesque village of Tobanieri, located in the Vani Municipality of Imereti, is the House-Museum of His Holiness and Beatitude Kalistrat Tsintsadze, which is dedicated to one of the greatest spiritual leaders of Georgia. This museum is an important monument that preserves not only the personal belongings of the Catholicos-Patriarch, but also the historical heritage of Georgian Orthodoxy.
Kalistrat Tsintsadze (1866-1952) was the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia from 1932 to 1952 and became a symbol of the struggle for autocephaly and the preservation of national Orthodoxy in difficult times for the country.
🏡 History of the museum: from home to spiritual heritage
The Kalistrat Tsintsadze House Museum was opened in 2017 in the saint’s native village of Tobanieri. It was created with the aim of preserving the memory of the life and spiritual work of this outstanding figure of Georgia. It houses more than 300 exhibits that tell about his life, work and church activities. The museum has become an important center for studying the history of the Georgian Orthodox Church and its development.
📜 Who is Kalistrat Tsintsadze?
Kalistrat Tsintsadze (1866–1952) is not only a church figure, but also a major figure in the history of Georgia, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia since 1932, who played a huge role in preserving the autocephaly of the Georgian Church. Kalistrat was a man of deep intellect, he also left a significant mark on church lexicography and literature.
📚 Early life: Kalistrat was born in the village of Tobanieri to a priest's family. In 1875, his parents sent him to the Kutaisi Theological Seminary, and then to the Tbilisi Theological Seminary, where he graduated with honors. In 1889, he continued his studies at the Kyiv Theological Academy, where he distinguished himself as an outstanding student.
🖋️ Church activities: Since 1892, Kalistrat was actively involved in church life, which led him to play an important role in the restoration of the autocephaly of the Georgian Church in 1917. He became the first metropolitan in the church council that was created to restore autocephaly, and took part in negotiations with governments of various countries, including the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union.
🔔 Spiritual leadership: In 1932, he was elected Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. His role in preserving national Orthodoxy in Georgia, especially under the Soviet regime, was invaluable. He was also an important figure in the church struggle for the right of the Georgian Orthodox Church to be independent from external pressure and interference.
🏺 Museum exhibits: memory of the saint
The Kalistrat Tsintsadze House Museum contains many exhibits that give an idea of the life and work of the saint:
- Personal belongings of Kalistrat Tsintsadze
- Church objects and attributes used by him in the service
- Manuscripts, including works related to the autocephaly of the Georgian Church
- Photographic materials from different stages of his life
- Documentary materials telling about his role in the restoration of the autocephaly of Georgia
Each of these exhibits is evidence of his loyalty to the church and the people, and helps to better understand the significance of his service for Georgia.
📍 Practical information
📍 Address: Tobanieri village, Vani municipality, Imereti, Georgia
🕰 Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 17:00 (closed on Monday)
💵 Ticket price: free
📞 Contacts: +995 551 20 21 50, +995 595 90 85 39
📧 Email: sporti2007@mail.ru
🚗 How to get there?
From Tbilisi or Kutaisi, you can get to Vani by intercity bus or minibus. From Vani, you can get to Tobanieri village by taxi or local transport. Individual transfers are also possible and can be booked in advance through travel agencies in Vani. If you are traveling by car, follow the highway through Vani municipality, following the signs to Tobanieri village.
The Kalistrat Tsintsadze House Museum in Tobanieri is a place where the memory of the great spiritual leader and his struggle for the independence of the Georgian Orthodox Church is preserved. His life and works continue to inspire a new generation of believers, and the museum is an important center for the study of the history of Georgia and its church.
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❓ Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to take pictures in the museum?
📸 Yes, photography is allowed, but without using flash.
Are there tours of the museum?
🗣 Yes, excursions are available by appointment.
Is the museum accessible to people with disabilities?
♿ The museum is partially accessible to people with disabilities, but it is better to check the details before visiting.
Is it possible to buy souvenirs in the museum?
🎁 The museum has a small stand with books and souvenirs dedicated to the life and work of Kalistrat Tsintsadze.
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Читая такие материалы, понимаешь, насколько важны люди, которые отстаивали свою веру и культуру. Калистрат Цинцадзе жил в сложные времена, но благодаря его труду и борьбе Грузинская церковь смогла сохранить свою независимость. Музей — это не просто коллекция старых вещей, а живая память о великом человеке и его деле.