Georgia celebrates Independence Day, President stresses enduring national identity

At a ceremonial event dedicated to Georgia’s Independence Day, President Mikheil Kavelashvili extended congratulations to citizens, calling the occasion the most important national holiday.

“Dear compatriots, I congratulate you on the most important national holiday of our history - the Independence Day of Georgia”, the President said, adding special congratulations to those who “today swore loyalty to the homeland and earned the title of Georgian soldier”.

He emphasised that every nation has defining dates that shape its identity and future, stating that for the Georgian people, May 26 holds that significance.

“Every nation’s history includes dates that define its essence and future. For the Georgian nation, such a day is May 26. One hundred and eight years ago, after centuries of annexation, the country restored its statehood, and the world saw an independent and free Georgia”, he said.

The President highlighted the historical struggles of the Georgian people, noting that generations preserved statehood through “sword, pen, prayer, and dedicated service”. He stressed that despite centuries of trials, the nation endured by defending its core values, including faith, identity, traditions, and language.

He also underlined the role of the Georgian Orthodox Church in preserving national identity, historical memory, and spirituality, referring to it as the “Mother Church”. According to him, the Church has safeguarded Georgian consciousness for centuries and remains a source of support in the modern world.

“This year we mark the 1 700th anniversary of the declaration of Christianity as a state religion”, the President noted, calling it a reminder of the deep connection between Georgia’s history and faith.

He further emphasised that Georgian culture is distinguished not only by loyalty to its own traditions but also by respect for the beliefs of others. “For centuries, Georgia has been a place of peaceful coexistence for people of different religions and cultures”, he said.