Georgian President highlights Christianity as core of nation’s identity in parliamentary address

In an annual address to Parliament regarding the state of the nation, Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili on Tuesday emphasised that the Christian faith remains the fundamental pillar of Georgian traditions, identity, and culture.

The President noted that within the nation’s 3,000-year history, the adoption of Christianity stood as the ultimate turning point, shaping the past 17 centuries, the present, and the future of the country.

“When discussing Georgian traditions, identity, and culture, it is important to remember that Christianity has had the most significant influence. In the rich 3,000-year history of our nation, the adoption of Christianity was a pivotal moment that has defined the past 17 centuries, shaped our present, and continues to guide our future”, he said.

“Our people were among the first to embrace Christ’s teachings, laying the foundation for a unique, ancient, and uninterrupted Christian civilization. Over time, Christianity and Georgian identity became inseparable. For our ancestors, caring for the homeland meant caring for the faith, and fighting for the country meant fighting for God”, the President continued.

Kavelashvili further added that Christianity had shaped the civilizational path of Georgians and instilled moral, tolerant, and noble principles within us.

“This year, we celebrate the 1,700th anniversary of our nation’s Christianization. This monumental history reminds us that the Christian civilization established in Georgia withstood countless invaders. After every challenge, the faith of our people only grew stronger”, he noted.

“Fortunately, today the Georgian people stand firmly once again, continuing the long path that began 17 centuries ago”, Kavelashvili concluded.