Pitsunda temple, Abkhazia: description, history, schedule and interesting facts

The temple in the city of Pitsunda is known not only because of its interesting history, but also to the organ, to listen to which come as tourists, and local residents from all around. In this publication we will tell you about the sights of this city, which will surprise every traveler.

City `s history

The history of the city of Pitiunt, which used to stand where the modern Pitsunda is now, begins with the founding of merchants of Greek origin. As early as the 2nd century AD, the Romans built a defensive structure with the help of the most modern technologies at that time. Already in the IV century the territory was supplemented by an ancient Christian temple - the basilica.

Pitsunda Temple

At the end of the 5th - beginning of the 6th century, the basilica was decorated with a magnificent painted mosaic, which consisted of patterns and drawings with various intricate plots. The Emperor of Byzantine Justinian the First, who at that time ruled over Pitsunda (VI century), wanted to give Pitius the status of a strategically important fortress of the Caucasian Black Sea coast. In the 6th century, in the territory of the building, where a dilapidated church stood already at that time, according to his orders, the building of a new, even more majestic church was erected. The year 541 was marked by the first baptism of Abkhazians in history, and it was at this place that the episcopal chair was located. The remains of some medieval churches in the Pitsunda complex were discovered by archeologists in the middle of the last century. When the Abkhazian kingdom reached the age of its heyday, in the 9th-10th cc. Built a new church, which was built using bricks.

In the XVI century, the Pitsunda temple was renovated, and in the west wing a tomb was built with richly painted walls and a patterned ceiling. Already in the 17th century, during the threat of a Turkish attack, the Abkhaz Catholicos moved their department to the Georgian city of Gelati. The building of the cathedral was abandoned, however, as before, local and foreigners came to swear vows in the Pitsunda temple. His story did not end there. On its territory the Zaporozhye army stopped on the way to the Turkish lands. In the XIX century, the temple was again consecrated and reconstructed. The building of the chapel, which was located not far from it, was built by New Athos monks with the help of remains that are well preserved. To date, for 25 years on its territory are services. New Athos clergymen hold a liturgy, as well as baptize the local.

Body in the Pitsunda Temple

In 1975, the church was established organ, which created the firm Schuke in Potsdam. In addition, at the same time the concert hall was rebuilt. And so far in the ancient building of the cathedral you can hear works written by JS Bach and other great composers. Concerts of Abkhazian and Russian artists are held here, which gather those who love academic music. The church scene and the territory of the ancient buildings invite the members of the Moscow Chamber Orchestra of Music Viva, which is managed by Alexander Rudin, as well as the Chamber Orchestra at the Moscow Conservatory under the baton of Felix Korobov, to the festival "Hibla Gerzmavu" every year. Here works are performed by Elena Obraztsova, the famous pianist Denis Matsuev, the Moscow Virtuosi Orchestra and V. Spivakov at the head of other well-known artists performing classical music. Svyatoslav Belz - the irreplaceable host of festival performances for a year now. In addition, he is a well-known Russian musicologist.

Controversial issue

Six years ago, in 2010, the Abkhazian society discussed controversial issues about the body in the Pitsunda temple. Members of the diocese assured the authorities that the cathedral is the seat of the old episcopate, and therefore the instrument should be rescheduled. However, due to the influence of public opinion, the issue of the Pitsunda church was postponed. The budget provided for more than one hundred thousand euros for the overhaul of the body. This moment testified that the issue of transferring the instrument to some other future building was postponed. Actually, like the return to the episcopate of the ancient Pitsunda temple. The body is unique in the territory of the post-Soviet space. He was defended by a large number of well-known musicians, including all the best organists, as well as such famous artists as Elena Obraztsova, V. Spivakov and H. Gerzmava.

Specialists came to the State Concert Hall in Pitsunda Church to repair the organ. This happened in 2011 under the leadership of the same firm from Potsdam. The instrument was created by Hans Joachim Schuke, one of the most famous masters in the German classical organ design.

Famous musicians who gave concerts in the organ hall

Concerts in the Pitsunda church since the opening of the hall were given by members of the Abkhaz State Capella, led by the People's Artist of the Republic of Adygea Nora Azhinjal, as well as leading soloists of the State Philharmonic of Abkhazia. Performances were conducted with the participation of the following musicians: G. Tatevosyan, A. Otrba, G. Avidzba; In addition, representatives of the State Symphony Orchestra conducted by A. Hagba and V. Ayba, and many others. In the hall of the Pitsunda temple, Abkhazian artists can demonstrate their talent. Russian musicians also do it. A lot of tourists come to the concerts, who come here to listen to the works of classical composers, as well as local residents.

Concert schedule

To date, the cathedral is played as guest artists, giving concerts, which can be seen on posters, and permanent musicians. One of them is Luca Gadelia, who plays in the church as one of the members of the chamber orchestra every Thursday. Also the music in his performance can be heard solo on Sunday, if you come to the Pitsunda temple (the schedule of Sunday concerts is permanent - the beginning of the performance at 17 o'clock).