ON THE “OATH OF ALLEGIANCE“ OF CATHOLICOS ANTON I PRESERVED IN MANUSCRIPT H-1334

Abstract

The 18th century is a period of notable political complexity and drama in Georgian history. As a small country divided into various kingdoms and principalities, Georgia faced numerous challenges in its search for reliable political allies. During this era, foreign policy orientations were divided between coreligionist Russia and Catholic European states. While the relationship with Russia was grounded in ideological and Orthodox ties, engagement with Catholic Europe—despite certain ideological risks—offered prospects for modern economic and educational standards, as well as greater security guarantees in dealings with neighboring Muslim powers.

These trends are vividly reflected in the Georgian literature and documentation of the period. This research focuses on manuscript H-1334, preserved at the Korneli Kekelidze Georgian National Centre of Manuscripts, which encapsulates the socio-political views of 18th-century figures. The manuscript is rich in content, containing ecclesiastical, civil, political, and theological documents, alongside private correspondence. These records provide profound insight into the worldview and political priorities of the Georgian elite. Notably, the collection includes significant information regarding Catholicos Anton I. To date, this manuscript remains unstudied and unpublished; thus, the primary objective of this paper is to introduce this unknown materials into academic circulation and evaluate its historical significance.

Keywords: Manuscript; Oath of Allegiance; Confession of Faith; Anton I; Bessarion, Catholicos of Imereti.