The temple in the city of Pitsunda is famous not only for its interesting history, but also for the body, which is visited by tourists and locals from all over the area. In this publication, we will talk about the attractions of this city that will surprise every traveler.
History of the city
The history of the city of Pitiunta, which previously stood where modern Pitsunda is now located, begins with the founding of merchants of Greek origin. As early as the 2nd century AD, the Romans built a defensive structure using the most modern technologies at that time. Already in the IV century, the territory was supplemented by the ancient Christian temple - the basilica.
Pitsunda Temple
At the end of the 5th - the beginning of the 6th century, the basilica was decorated with magnificent painted mosaics, which consisted of patterns and drawings with various intricate plots. Byzantine Emperor Justinian the First, who ruled Pitsunda at that time (6th century), wanted to give Pietius the status of a strategically important fortress on the Caucasian Black Sea coast. In the VI century, on the construction site where a dilapidated temple stood already at that time, in accordance with his orders, the building of a new, even more magnificent church was erected. The year 541 was marked by the first in the history of the baptism of the Abkhazians, and it was at this place that the episcopal department was located. The remains of some medieval churches in the Pitsunda complex were discovered by archaeologists in the middle of the last century. When the Abkhazian kingdom reached its heyday, in the IX-X centuries. built a new church, which was built using bricks.
In the 16th century, the Pitsunda Temple was renovated, and a tomb with richly painted walls and a patterned ceiling was erected on the territory of the western wing. Already in the XVII century, during the threat of the Turkish attack, the Abkhaz Catholics moved their chair to the Georgian city of Gelati. The cathedral building was abandoned, however, as before, local and foreigners came to take oath vows to the Pitsunda temple. His story did not end there. On its territory the Zaporizhzhya army stopped on the way to the Turkish lands. In the XIX century, the temple was consecrated and reconstructed again. The chapel building, which was not far from it, was built by the New Athos monks with the help of the remains, which are well preserved. Today, services have been held on its territory for 25 years. New Athos clergy conduct a liturgy and also baptize locals.
Organ at Pitsunda Temple
In 1975, the organ established by Schucke in Potsdam was installed in the church. In addition, the concert hall was rebuilt at the same time. And still in the ancient building of the cathedral you can hear the works written by I.S.Bach and other great composers. Concerts of Abkhaz and Russian artists are held here, which bring together those who love academic music. The church scene and the territory of the ancient building every year invites members of the Moscow Chamber Orchestra Music Viva, managed by Alexander Rudin, as well as the Chamber Orchestra at the Moscow Conservatory under the direction of conductor Felix Korobov, to the Hibla Gerzmava festival. There are works performed by Elena Obraztsova, the famous pianist Denis Matsuev, the Moscow Virtuosi orchestra with V. Spivakov at the head and other famous artists performing classical music. Svyatoslav Belz has been a permanent host of festival performances for already a year. In addition, he is a famous Russian musicologist.
Controversial issue
Six years ago, in 2010, the Abkhaz society discussed controversial issues about the organ in the Pitsunda church. The members of the diocese assured the authorities that the cathedral is the residence of the old episcopate, and therefore the instrument should be moved. However, due to the influence of public opinion, the question of the Pitsunda temple 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 construction 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. A large number of famous musicians, including all the best organists, as well as such famous representatives of art as Elena Obraztsova, V. Spivakov and H. Gerzmava, defended him.
Specialists came to the State Concert Hall in the Pitsunda Church to repair the organ. This happened in 2011 under the leadership of the same company from Potsdam. The tool was created by one of the most famous masters in German classical organ-building - Hans Joachim Schucke.
Famous musicians giving concerts in the organ hall
Concerts in the Pitsunda temple since the opening of the hall were given by members of the Abkhaz State Capella, which was led by the People's Artist of the Republic of Adygea Nora Ajinjal, as well as leading soloists of the State Philharmonic of Abkhazia. Performances were held 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. Abkhazian artists can demonstrate their talent in the hall of the Pitsunda Temple. This is also done by Russian musicians. A large number of holidaymakers come to the concerts, who come here to listen to the works of classical composers, as well as local residents.
Concert schedule
Today, the cathedral is played by both invited artists who give concerts, which can be seen on posters, as well as regular 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 performed by him can be heard solo on Sunday, if you come to the Pitsunda temple (the schedule of Sunday concerts is constant - the performance starts at 5 p.m.).