LITANY OF LORETO (LITANIA LAURETANA ) - THE FIRST GEORGIAN PRINTED PRAYER

Among humanity's intellectual achievements, the printing press, which was created in the 17th century, holds a special place. Even in the conditions of the global character of contemporary scientific-technical progress, the printed word remains the most flexible and comprehensive means of information. This is the characteristic that it has possessed at all stages of its development. Throughout the centuries, the printed word appears in the role of informer and educator, as well as an invaluable means of exchanging cultural values among peoples. This is also confirmed by the history of Georgian printed books. The first Georgian printed publications are: "Georgian Alphabet with Prayers," "Georgian-Italian Dictionary," the Georgian translation of the Catholic prayer "Litania Lauretana," and Francesco-Maria Maggio's "Georgian Grammar." Despite the fact that "Litania Lauretana" is a Catholic prayer, it enjoyed no less popularity and respect among the Christian population of the entire Orthodox East. A review of the Georgian translation of "Litania Lauretana" allows for the unmistakable general conclusion that already in the 17th century, the printed word represented a quite effective weapon for achieving both political and religious purposes.