Researchers of K. Kekelidze National Center of Manuscripts financed by Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation have studied and prepared for publishing a book on Georgian-Greek manuscripts kept in the National Library of St. Petersburg.
Georgian-Greek manuscript dating back to 15th century is unique in its content. Copies of similar type are not available either in Georgian or Byzantine manuscript tradition. It was established as a result of research that the manuscript was made for a famous and distinguished historical person of Samtskhe Saatabago Kvarkvare Atabagi. A Greek monk immigrated from Pontus participated in the making of the manuscript who later became Atskuri Bishop and Georgian scribe.
The manuscript unites two cultural traditions – Georgian and Byzantine and is of great importance in political terms as political activity of Atabags aimed to continue post-Byzantine traditions both in the field of politics and literature. The manuscript is influenced by Athos iconographic style but offers an innovative style as well.