The Commentary on Oratio 44 containing five explanations is not attested in Greek manuscripts of Gregory of Nazianzus’ works. Therefore, it can be suggested that this text could be a fragment from unknown Commentary on Or. 44 inserted into Georgian collection of Gregory’s sermons by Euthymius the Athonite. The distinct didactic character of the explanations probably makes clear Euthymius’ motivation for inserting this text, rather than another, into the collection. For him, a discourse on moral issues supported with examples and quotations from the Bible would be the best way to establish strong moral principles among his parish. The fact of translating the commentaries on the writings of Gregory of Nazianzus illustrates one more aspect of Euthymius the Athonite’s dedication as a translator: he was determined to acquaint Georgian reader with the latest developments of Byzantine culture and literature as quickly, consistently and accurately as possible. Basilius Minimus’ commentaries on Gregory of Nazianzus’ homilies written in the middle of the tenth century as well as the collection Sylloge dating back to the end of the tenth century were very popular in Byzantium.
The fact that Euthymius translated the Commentary on Or. 38 created on the basis of the above-mentioned works attests Euthymius’ profound interest in the latest developments in Byzantine literature and his commitment to introducing these processes to Georgian readers. This also proves that the Georgian monastic center on Mt. Athos was actively involved in the contemporary cultural-literary life of Byzantium.
