"When The Blind Lead The Blind, Both Will Fall Into a Pit" by Archimandrite Dorotheos (Dbar)
Archimandrite Dorotheos (Dbar) addresses the issue of vandalism at the Lykhny Glade. He discusses the role of Orthodox priests in these acts.
Once again about vandalism at the Lykhny Glade.
It has come to light that an act of vandalism at the historically significant site for Abkhazians, the Lykhny Glade (and, as far as I know, not only there), was perpetrated by "newly enlightened" Abkhazians with the "blessing and guidance" of an Orthodox priest who came to Abkhazia from Donetsk. This priest was accepted into the clergy of the Sukhum-Pitsunda Eparchy of the Abkhazian Orthodox Church and appointed as a serving priest at the Adzyubzha church.
Before assessing the actions of the Abkhazian Orthodox Church (AOC) leadership and the specific cleric (of course, the guilt of the direct perpetrators of the vandalism is evident), I would like to remind you that such an event has already occurred in the recent past.
Abkhazia's Damaged Linden Tree Receives Treatment from Chinese Medication
The Caucasian linden tree in the village of Lykhny, considered a "spiritual symbol of Abkhazia," is being treated with a Chinese medication after sustaining significant damage. Local Abkhaz ecologists, along with Chinese citizens working in the region, have supplied the first 30 IV bags to aid in the tree's recovery.
Saveliy Chitanava, Chairman of the State Ecology Committee of the Republic of Abkhazia, shared with TASS that the medication was brought from Beijing to Moscow and then transported to Abkhazia. "In a week, we will deliver 30 more IV bags and complete the recovery course," Chitanava mentioned.
Local authorities initiated a case under the article "illegal felling of trees and shrubs." Suspects Irakli and Daur Bagatelia, two brothers, were detained on April 11. Irakli was taken into custody, while Daur was given a written undertaking not to leave as a restraining measure.
Soner Gogua: Abkhazian War Veteran, Politician, and Public Figure Passes Away
Soner Gogua, a veteran of the Patriotic War of the People of Abkhazia and former deputy of the fourth convocation of the Parliament, has passed away after a prolonged illness. Public figure Oktay Chkotua confirmed the news.
Chkotua emphasised Gogua's contributions during the most challenging period of Abkhazia's modern history, where he fought for the region's freedom and independence. Post-war, Gogua played a crucial role in developing Abkhazia's economy and actively participated in philanthropic activities.
Born on August 19, 1971, in Turkey to a family of Abkhaz exiles, Soner Gogua entered the Abkhaz State University in 1990, majoring in Abkhaz language and literature. He actively took part in the Abkhazian Patriotic War between 1992 and 1993, earning the Medal for Courage and the III degree Order of "Akhdz-Apsha."
Throughout his career, Gogua served as the authorised representative of the Abkhaz Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Turkey and later as its vice-president. In 2007, he was elected to the People's Assembly of the Republic of Abkhazia. Gogua became the President of the International Fund "Apsny" in 2016.
Abkhaz Community Pays Tribute to Soner Gogua, Veteran and Parliament Deputy
In Sukhum, a solemn farewell was held for repatriate and Parliament Deputy of the IV Convocation, veteran of the Patriotic War of the People of Abkhazia, and recipient of the "Akhdz-Apsha" Order, Soner Gogua (August 19, 1971 - April 17, 2023). Gogua passed away at the age of 52 after a prolonged illness. In the morning, hundreds of people gathered at the Teacher's House where Gogua's coffin was placed to pay their respects to the esteemed son of the Abkhaz people.
Press Conference Highlights Abkhazia's Humanitarian Mission in Türkiye
A press conference was held at the Sputnik press centre on April 20, discussing the Abkhazian humanitarian mission's recent efforts in Türkiye. In response to the earthquake's devastating aftermath, Abkhazia offered aid, with support from the state, various organisations, and ordinary citizens.
On April 14, the cargo was transferred in the city of Kahramanmaraş. Shipped from Abkhazia, the supplies were handed over to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority. Lev Kvitsinia, the Minister of Emergency Situations of Abkhazia, who participated in the mission, explained that the initial plan involved sending Abkhazian rescuers to the disaster site. However, the absence of official diplomatic relations made this impossible.
Consequently, the state allocated $100,000 from the repatriation fund budget as aid to Türkiye. The Ritsa National Park, Novy Afon Cave, World Abkhaz-Abaza Congress, Ministry of Culture, and Abkhazia residents actively contributed to the assembly of humanitarian cargo.
Additionally, eight containers were delivered to the affected regions, containing around 200 tons of essential humanitarian supplies, including drinking water, cereals, hygiene items, and flour. The cargo's delivery, arranged by a Turkish entrepreneur of Abkhazian descent, was provided free of charge.
The Georgian representation in Türkiye also took action. The deputy stated that upon learning about the Abkhazian delegates' arrival, the Georgian side started contacting various organisations, questioning the legitimacy of a humanitarian mission from an "unrecognised country."
"The Turkish side responded appropriately, stating that Abkhazia has a significant presence here, with a diaspora of up to a million people who prioritise helping their compatriots," Parliamentarian Alkhas Bartsits said.
A Cuban's Tale of Love and Life in Abkhazia: How Juan Carlos Valdés Found Family and Home
Over 20 years ago, Juan Carlos Valdés from Cuba arrived in Abkhazia to work as a translator and decided to make the republic his home. In this Sputnik article, discover how Juan ended up in Abkhazia, his adaptation to the new environment, the story behind his missed first date with his future wife, the development of their life together, the long wait for Abkhazian citizenship, and his emotions at that moment.
Tall, strong, and smiling, Juan Carlos Valdés greeted us warmly, and in keeping with Abkhazian customs, immediately invited us into his home. However, the weather was pleasant and spring-like, so we chose to chat outdoors instead.
Juan's wife Zhanna and their elder daughter Daniela brought us sweets and coffee in unusually large cups. Their younger son Dionis joined us, accompanied by Tyson, the family dog. The warm family atmosphere, enhanced by the sun's rays, fostered trust, openness, and the sharing of personal stories.
Before the early 2000s, Juan had never even heard of a country called Abkhazia. He was born in the small Cuban town of Artemisa, finished school, and in 1986 enrolled in the Yakubovsky Higher Kiev Tank Engineering School. After receiving his military education, Juan began working as a translator, specialising in Spanish and Russian.
Independent Candidate Mutlu Akkaya to Represent Circassians in Kayseri for 2023 General Elections
Turkey is gearing up for one of the most important elections in its history. In the midst of the election preparations, the Caucasus Associations Federation (KAFFED) has announced its support for independent parliamentary candidate Mutlu Akkaya, a former KAFFED Vice President. Akkaya is running for a seat in Kayseri to represent the Circassian community in the upcoming 2023 General Elections.
Akkaya's decision to run as an independent candidate comes as a response to the political parties' insufficient representation of Kayseri's diverse communities. KAFFED believes that the current political climate disregards the Circassian population and sees them as guaranteed votes. Akkaya's candidacy aims to challenge this perspective and provide a voice for underrepresented groups in the city.
The Exodus of Abkhazians During the 19th Century: Resistance, Uprisings, and Exile
Throughout the 19th century, the Russian-Caucasian War brought about significant changes in the geopolitical landscape of the region. The conflict between the Russian Empire and the native peoples of the Caucasus led to significant population displacements, including those of the Abkhazians.
Prof. George Anchabadze, a renowned expert on Abkhazian history, sheds light on the numerous uprisings and forced migrations that this ethnic group experienced during this tumultuous period.
According to Prof. Anchabadze, the main roles in the Caucasian War were played by the Avars, Chechens, Circassians, and Ubykhs, listed from east to west. However, after these groups, the Abkhazians offered the most resistance in the Caucasus. The largest uprisings in Abkhazia occurred in 1821-27, 1840-45, 1861, 1866, and 1877, with each event leading to significant migrations of Abkhazians to the Ottoman Empire.
The Eden of the Caucasus | Colonial Politics, 20 July 1899, p.2
This historical article, originally published in La Politique coloniale in 1899, offers a fascinating glimpse into the life, culture, and landscape of Abkhazia during the late 19th century. From the locals' passion for horses and unique hospitality customs to the picturesque coastal town of Sukhum, the piece vividly portrays Abkhazia as an untapped paradise on the cusp of becoming a popular destination.
Souksoo [Lykhny, Abkhazia] Circassia, 1857
by Watercolour by William Simpson (1823-1899)
National Army Museum: https://collection.nam.ac.uk/detail.php?acc=1992-01-159-1