Ensembles “Basyan” and “Rustavi” performs Georgian hymns in Levil, St. John Baptist Church

Georgia: In St. John the Baptist Church, ensembles “Basyan” and “Rustavi” performed Georgian hymns and presented samples of national folklore. Parallel to the Georgian Festival, other events are being held in Levil.

It is noteworthy that “Multiple” performed together by “Basyan” and “Rustavi” was particularly impressive.

It is meaningful that Georgian hymns and folk songs were performed in the St. John the Baptist Church of Levil because the church is connected with Georgians living in Levil by an important history. In addition to the fact that important ceremonial or mourning events were held in this temple for Georgian families hiding in the Levili chateau, Mamia Berishvili’s wife – Christian Leclerk, the most beautiful stained glass windows of the temple were made by Georgian craftsman, prominent representative of immigration Givi Meliava.

The church’s stained glass windows were severely damaged and needed a makeover. In 1961, Christian Leclerc came up with the idea of raising money to produce stained glass windows to celebrate the birth of the native parish in Leville. The parish soon agreed to this initiative.

The celebration held in Levili’s homeland was successful, and with the income, new stained glass windows were made for the church. Since 1961, the parish celebration, now called “Cherries Holiday,” has become a tradition and is held every year in the Georgian Homeland Park on June 24—according to the Catholic calendar, the commemoration of St. John the Baptist.

Reminder: Ensembles “Basiani” and “Rustavi” participated in the Georgian Festival in Levili’s historical homeland. They performed in front of the audience during the second week of festival events. In addition, on the second week of the Festival, meetings were held with successful Georgian football players (Giorgi Lomaia, Giorgi Navalovski, David Siradze); masterclass of Tikhruli enamel master, Sophia Mushkudiani, and exhibition of his works was held; Ethnojazz band “Iriao” and Kutaisi State Academic Ensemble of Song and Dance were presented to the public.

For information: On the initiative of the Ministry of Culture and Sports of Georgia and the support of the Government of Georgia, cultural and sports events of the Georgian Festival are waiting for the public in the historical homeland of Levili from May 24 to July 14. Events are held every weekend and are free to attend.

More than 700 artists and sportsmen will travel to Levil at different times to participate in the Georgian Festival. The Festival features representatives of culture and sport, municipal state theaters, folklore, and choreographic ensembles from different regions, and creative groups.

This year, the Festival includes several sporting activities; wood artisans, writers, and art academy students participate for the first time.