Epistles of Basil the Great in Georgian translations of XVIII-XIX centuries (Gaios the Rector and anonymous translator)

Basil the Great's epistles were translated into Georgian twice during 18th-19th cc. In 1798-1799, an almost complete corpus of letters, 356 (ep. 1-38, 42-359), was rendered by Gaios Rector. Thereafter, in first quarter 19th c., anonymous translator two same author 1, 2.1-3). The rendition Rector is preserved manuscripts Ioane Bagrationi’s collection N 274 (1798; part I) and 95 (1799; II, ep. 150.2-359), both being autographs. are maintained Saint Petersburg’s National Library Russia. A copy second epistle Centre Manuscripts Georgia S 381 (1846, 151-359). translation represents word-by-word Russian edition (Василий Великий, 1787), though source estimated as “obscure not always correct” (Попов, 1902, 197). obscurity, to some extent, found also translation. translator, 2.1-3, autograph manuscript 820 (first c.) Georgia. used Greek latter (Sancti Patris Nostri Basilii, 1730). Comparing deed Rector, it evident that literal, however, more elaborated on account nature language, while Gaios’ even word order mostly maintained. Both translations follow literary style Anton I, Catholicos them, especially fully had a great importance for intellectual society his time.