Unexpected Twist: Deana in the Tbilisi Press Club for a City-Wide Event
Also, a new Youtube channel and Thanksgiving newsletter special rate
Many people have asked about Jeff’s photo of me surrounded by numerous news station cameras. As with all our adventures, “Do we have a story to tell!”
On November 13th, we participated alongside Tbilisi Metropolitan priest Shio (Mujiri) of Senaki and Chkhorotsku, clergy and residents, for a prayer service on Metekhi Bridge to commemorate the Hundred Thousand Martyrs of Tbilisi.
100,000 martyrs?!
Yep, you heard right.
In the early 13th century the Mongol empire began invading the region, bringing to an end Georgia’s golden age. In the year 1226, the Khwarezmid sultan Jalal ad-Din captured the capital city of Tbilisi.
The sultan demanded all Orthodox Christians renounce their faith in Christ. He removed the icons from the Sion Cathedral and had these sacred objects placed on the bridge over the Mtkvari River, where citizens were compelled to walk on them, defiling the revered symbols. Because they refused to comply, he marched them to the Metekhi Bridge in Old Tbilisi where he had them beheaded and thrown into the water below.
All 100,000 are considered saints in the Orthodox Church now.
While waiting to observe the commemoration, I asked a young adult if he spoke English and if he could tell me what to expect during the memorial. He was very kind and told me all about what would be happening.
I told him many in America have never heard about this and I wanted to share with others back in the States.
Lo and behold, he happened to be part of the news coverage teams and gave me an amazing opportunity to be right in the middle of all of them. He even translated to his colleagues what I was doing and to include me.
When the Patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church arrived, this young man made sure I had a front-row view, telling the organizers and other Priests what I was doing so there would be no problems.
And there I stood, holding my tiny iPhone attached to the gimbal.
The smile you see on my face is from the absolute amazement and gratitude I felt at that moment. I was given a gift by a stranger.
Not only did I get a glimpse into the depth of faith from centuries past, but I also got to experience the impact those 100,000 martyrs made on the modern-day Georgians.
May their memory be eternal.
Zigzag Along on Youtube
It’s been a whirlwind of activity since we landed in Georgia. Alongside the launch of this newsletter, we started posting to our new Youtube Channel: @ZigzagAlong. You can help us out by liking and subscribing.
Our Thanksgiving Special
We are thrilled to have reached 50 free subscribers! What a start!!
In the spirit of the holidays, through Monday November 27th, we’ve reduced our regular $7 a month subscription to $5. You get:
Two additional monthly publications that go deeper, including our monthly “Pilgrim Chronicles.”
The chance to engage and get to know the global community through comments and threads.
Our monthly live video group chat Zigzag Zoom!
This Friday, everyone is welcome, both free and paid subscribers, to join our first Zigzag Zoom.
And our launch special is still active. One year for only $50!
Finally, know someone who would be interested in our content? Please share!