A presentation of British director Alex Fodor’s documentary film The Cross of Stolen Churches, dedicated to the history of Christianity in Caucasian Albania and the fate of its church heritage, was held in the United Kingdom.
The filmmakers carried out extensive research into the Christian heritage of Caucasian Albania, presenting a considered view of the historical events. The film was shot in Azerbaijan and Georgia.
The documentary traces the origins of Christianity in Caucasian Albania, its flourishing and subsequent decline. The filmmakers say the investigation is based on archival documents and materials from the Vatican, Israel, the United Kingdom, France, Türkiye, Georgia, Armenia, Russia, Greece and Egypt.
One of the central parts of the film features statements by Anania (Japaridze), Metropolitan of Manglisi and Tetritskaro and a hierarch and prominent historian of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Drawing on historical materials, he argues that the Armenian Church took steps to acquire the property of the Albanian Church and appropriate its heritage.
The filmmakers also examine the history of the apostles Bartholomew and Thaddeus and consider different accounts of locations associated with their missions and deaths. Particular attention is given to the dispute over the location of the martyrdom of the Apostle Bartholomew — Baku or an area in present-day Türkiye.
Another line of the investigation concerns the National Library of France, which holds the seal of the Grand Catholicos of Caucasian Albania. The filmmakers raise questions about the relic’s ownership and the possibility of its return to its historical homeland.
The film features rare archival footage, historical photographs and contemporary graphics. The English-language narration is provided by British actors Ian Recordon and Heather Coombs, while the soundtrack includes works by Irish composer David Byers, among others.
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