Georgian Parliament Speaker highlights role of Orthodoxy in Georgia’s national identity

Georgian Parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Saturday addressed the meeting of the International Secretariat of the Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy, emphasising the importance of shared spiritual and cultural heritage and the enduring relevance of Orthodox values in the modern world.

In his address, Papuashvili underlined that Orthodox Christian values serve as a moral compass in a rapidly changing and increasingly divided world.

According to him, these values remind societies of the inviolability of human dignity, the necessity of solidarity, and the power of faith, compassion, and justice.

“In today’s world, characterised by rapid change, uncertainty, and division, Orthodox Christian values serve as a firm moral compass for us. They remind us of the inviolability of human dignity, the necessity of solidarity, and the power of faith, compassion, and justice. For Georgia, Orthodoxy is not merely a religion - it is the foundation of national identity and historical continuity”, Papuashvili continued.

The speaker noted that since Christianity was declared the state religion in the fourth century, the Georgian Orthodox tradition has played a decisive role in preserving the Georgian language, culture, and statehood, particularly during periods of severe historical hardship.

He described Orthodoxy as a source of unity, resilience, and moral strength for the country.

Papuashvili added that in the era of globalization, Georgian Orthodoxy continues to play an important role by teaching how to maintain spiritual identity while engaging in global processes, balance tradition with progress, and conduct dialogue without losing fundamental values.

He also highlighted its call for peace in times of conflict, mutual respect amid disagreements, and cooperation in a competitive world.
He further underlined the responsibility of lawmakers, stating that parliamentary work goes beyond legislation and carries a moral obligation to uphold human dignity, protect cultural and religious heritage, and promote justice and the common good.

“Our work is not limited to lawmaking; it also has a deep moral dimension. We are obliged to ensure that the values we serve - respect for human dignity, protection of cultural and religious heritage, strengthening of justice, and care for the common good - are reflected in public life”, he noted.

Papuashvili described the Assembly as an important platform for dialogue among nations, enabling cooperation and joint responses to shared challenges.

“This assembly is a unique platform for dialogue and cooperation. It gives us the opportunity to strengthen relations between our countries, jointly respond to common challenges, and promote a world-view where faith and reason, tradition and modernity complement rather than oppose each other”, he continued.

The speaker also highlighted the special role of Orthodoxy in Georgia’s history.

“Our gathering today takes place at a special time. This year, Georgia marks the 1,700th anniversary of the proclamation of Christianity. In the 4th century, the preaching of Saint Nino shattered the idols of paganism and made Christianity the firm spirit of the Georgian nation. The miracle accomplished 17 centuries ago dispelled the false light of paganism and brought us the true sun”, the speaker noted.

He additionally reflected on the legacy of Georgia’s late Patriarch Ilia II, emphasising his role in strengthening faith and unity during challenging periods.

“At the same time, today marks exactly one month since the passing of our Most Holy Patriarch, who led the Church for half a century. He was a man sent by God to our nation in a time of great trial, to revive true faith, to lift the shroud from Christ’s Holy Church, and to unite the nation in faith. He fulfilled his historic mission and departed for heavenly Georgia”, he said.

“Today, you are in a country where, before our eyes, a great miracle took place - the rebirth of a nation: a united, whole, strong, and unshakeable nation. It was a nation that rose from the darkness of atheism and the stagnation of the Soviet era. Through pain, a thorny path, setbacks, and sacrifice - but it rose through faith and love for Christ. We witnessed this during the days of farewell to our Patriarch. We saw the spiritual unity of the nation, its strength, and its devotion. This legacy lives within us today, and it is upon this fundamental strength that we intend to build our future”, Papuashvili concluded.