THE ROLE OF THE GEORGIAN CHURCH IN STATE LAWMAKING ACCORDING TO ANCIENT LEGAL MONUMENTS

Abstract

In the 4th century, when King Mirian, through the efforts of Saint Nino, declared Georgia a Christian state, from that day forward, the Georgian Church assumed a special and leading role in state affairs. In addition to safeguarding the Christian faith of the nation, the Georgian Orthodox Church made substantial contributions to the country’s education and science. According to ancient ecclesiastical legislative collections, the Georgian Church was engaged in a wide range of state activities. A notable example is the Church’s invaluable contribution to the creation of ancient legal codes, developed in cooperation with the kings. These old laws, preserved in the form of decrees from ecclesiastical councils, provide insight into the Church’s role in the state system of that era.