Chronicle of Souls

Records of a person’s laudable deeds found in various churches around the Caucasus (especially in Svaneti, Kartvelia/Georgia) to be kept there for “eternity.” In a real sense they are the earthly counterparts of the Book of Life deeds supposed to be kept in Heaven (see Revelation, 20:12, a.k.a. the Book of Good Deeds). The tradition of keeping such Chronicles of Souls can be traced back to early medieval times, and arguably even further back to pagan times. (Exemplars of these Soul Chronicles are preserved in the Svaneti museum of Mestia, whose catalogue can be viewed here.) Particularly important were listings of what the person did for the church or the Christian community, such as services rendered or donations given. Often the Soul Chronicle was accompanied by an icon, an image ordered by the donor for the “remembrance of his or her soul,” as well as crosses, holy relics, and other religious or liturgical objects, as well as coins, precious vessels and ornaments, gems, and even weapons. Again, the purpose for donating such sacred, valuable, yet often very personal items was to assure that the memory of the soul of the donor was not abrogated or annulled upon body death but remained preserved within a consecrated space for all time. The Soul Chronicles represent a clear example of mortals seeking to be remembered by a divine agency, and at least in this way, attain a semblance of immortality.