Abstract:
David Agmashenebeli, in order to centralize the power, united the positions of the
state chancellor, mtsignobartukhutsesi, and chkondideli (bishop of Chkondidi in Western
Georgia). The first mtsignobartukhutsesi-chkondideli was Giorgi and after his death up to
1124 it is not clear who was the person who occupied these two positions. The testament of
David to Shiomgvime monastery refers to mtsignobartukhutsesi-bediel (bishop of Bedia in
Westen Georgia)-alaverdeli (bishop of Alaverdi in Eastern Georgia) Svimon, instead of
mtsignobartukhutsesi-chkondideli. Historian of David IV in his work “The Life of King of
the Kings David” also mentions Mtsignobartukhutsesi-Bediel-Alaverdeli Svimon.
It is noteworthy that later, some of the Eastern and Western Georgian eparchies were
held by the same person. Thus, ex. Michael, the catalicos of Tamar’s period was
simultaneously mtsignobartukhutsesi-chkondideli and bishop of Samtavisi in Eastern
Georgia. Likewise Basil, mtsignobartukhutsesi-chkondideli of the 13th century had honor to
occupy the post of bishop of Ujarma in Eastern Georgia. Here again we meet the same
tendency. By this action king David Agmashenebeli pursued to implement his goals – to
centralize the power and to unite the state. He added to the position of mtsignobartukhutsesi
two more positions – that of Alaverdeli and Bedieli. Thus he created joint secular and
church authority devoted to him.
