The Future of Zghvari and a Tribute to Metropolitan John Zizioulas Archpriest Giorgi Tserodze
It is becoming increasingly evident to everyone that anything associated with freedom in our society is being eroded and suppressed. This is also the case with our beloved journal Zghvari (Orthodoxy and Modernity), a publication cherished by its readers for many years. Recently, the funding allocated for the journal's publication was abruptly withdrawn, posing a serious threat to its continued existence.
Throughout its history, Zghvari has experienced various phases. Its founders recall times of working with pure enthusiasm, the unexpected emergence of sponsors, and the welldeserved funding secured through competitive programs. Yet, what has remained constant is the journal's unwavering commitment to seeking out the finest theological minds in the vast ocean of thought and translating their works. The editorial board and the journal's leadership remain hopeful that support for its publication will be restored, allowing Zghvari to continue bringing joy to its readers.
On the First Issue of 2025
This issue is dedicated to one of the greatest theologians of our time, Metropolitan John Zizioulas, with the aim of bringing the Georgianspeaking audience closer to the author of some of the most influential theological books of our era. Despite numerous challenges, the editorial board managed to secure the rights to translate some of the most outstanding recent articles on Zizioulas' thought in record time. These articles are authored by:
● Radu Bordeianu , an Orthodox priest and professor of theology at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh;
● John Chryssavgis , Archdeacon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and professor of theology at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Boston.
● Bishop Maxim Vasiljević , Bishop of the Western American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church;
● Panteleimon Kalaitzidis , Doctor of Theology and Director of the Volos Theological Academy;
● Paul McPartlan , a Roman Catholic priest, rector of Mater Ecclesiae College, and professor of theology at St. Mary's University, Twickenham;
● Aristotle Papanikolaou , professor of theology at Fordham University (USA), cofounder and director of the Orthodox Christian Studies Center (alongside Professor George Demacopoulos);
● Rowan Williams , Archbishop of Canterbury (2002 – 2012);
Special thanks go to Thea Kitoshvili for her exceptional work in editing these articles.
On a personal note, I would like to share that Metropolitan John Zizioulas is the person who rekindled my faith in Christianity and the biblical God. I expressed this sentiment to a new friend while sharing the electronic version of Zizioulas' latest book, hoping that they, like many of us who are weary of existence, might find solace in its pages. I firmly believe that his final work, The Memory of the Future: Toward an Eschatological Ontology, has the power to convey the truth of the Kingdom of Heaven in such a way that the joy of Christ's resurrection fully envelops the reader, filling them with renewed strength. Metropolitan John preaches the Son of God, risen from the dead, which makes the days of Christ's resurrection the most fitting time to publish an issue dedicated to him. We must remember that God neither begins nor ends with the crucifixion, but with the resurrection from the dead. The Father awaits us in the Kingdom of Heaven, where the incarnate Son of God, through the Holy Spirit, will lead us to divinization.
I am confident that with this and future issues, we will not only delight our loyal readers but also provide them with profound and irreplaceable spiritual nourishment on their journey.
ყველასთვის სულ უფრო ცხადი ხდება, რომ ჩვენში რაც კი თავისუფლებასთან არის დაკავშირებული, უქმდება და იკრძალება. ასეა დიდი ხნის წინ ჩვენგან შეყვარებული ჟურნალის «
ჩუქება
