News

We are pleased to invite paper proposals on the perception and interpretation of Christian relics and reliquaries for the online conference "Christian Relics and Reliquaries from Late Antiquity to Post Byzantine Time: Perception and Interpretation"  organized by the Medieval Studies Center, Ilia State University (Tbilisi Georgia), to be held in October 18-19.2025.

The conference aims to reassess the significance and role of relics and reliquaries across various traditions, focusing on the veneration practices and their cultural dimensions.

The relics and reliquaries have been the subject of multiple studies over the decades. However, new research and materials continue to reveal fresh insights into the veneration of relics and their cultural significance. This conference aims to reinterpret the meaning and role of Christian relics and their receptacles across various cultural traditions. The diverse practices of relic veneration, developed within premodern Christian culture, offer valuable insights into the political, religious, and aesthetic values of the time.

Any topic exploring Christian relics and reliquaries will be welcomed.

We particularly encourage papers that look into the following subjects:

• Role of Relics and Reliquaries in the Construction of Cult of Monastic Saints: Examining how relics and their receptacles contributed to the development of veneration of monastic saints.
• Relics and Identities: Investigating the role of relics in shaping cultural and religious identities.
• Relics and Rituals: Analyzing the rituals associated with relics and their impact on religious practices.
• Relics and Reliquaries as Gifts: Exploring the cultural and political significance of gifting relics and reliquaries.
• Relics and Pilgrimage: Studying the relationship between relics and pilgrimage traditions.
• Devotional Practices: Investigating how relics influenced devotional activities and personal piety.
• Ideological Context of Relics and Reliquaries: Examining the ideological and theological underpinnings of relic veneration and the design of reliquaries.

Please submit your abstract of no more than 300 words, and a 100-word biography to nino_chichinadze@iliauni.edu.ge

The deadline for abstracts is 23 May 2025, notification of acceptance will be confirmed by 15 June 2025. 

All submitted abstracts will undergo peer-review. Papers will be selected based on originality, relevance, and quality of contribution.

We look forward to receiving your submissions!

Prof. Nina Chichinadze

Director of the Center of Medieval Studies

School of Arts and Sciences

Ilia State University

3/5 Kakutsa Cholokashvili Ave.

0179 Tbilisi, Georgia