Georgian Patriarch Shio III praises Nona Gaprindashvili’s legacy on her 85th birthday

Shio III, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, has congratulated Georgian chess Grandmaster Nona Gaprindashvili on the occasion of her 85th birthday.

In his congratulatory message, the Patriarch emphasised Gaprindashvili’s outstanding contribution to Georgian sports and her status as a national figure whose name has become a symbol of dignity, intellect, talent, and perseverance.

“There are people who, through their life and work, earn a place in the history of a nation as epochal figures. Such a distinguished and admirable person is Ms. Nona Gaprindashvili. Her name has long gone beyond the sphere of sport and represents a symbol of our country’s dignity, talent, intellect, and perseverance. Ms. Nona has not only brought honour to her homeland on the world stage, but has also become an example for many generations of tireless work, loyalty to the country, and love. Her worthy victories are permanently and inseparably connected with the name of Georgia”, Shio III said.

The Catholicos-Patriarch wished her health, peace, spiritual strength, and a long life, and extended his blessings to her family.

“We sincerely congratulate her on this anniversary and thank her for her contribution, which is a clear example of how, through hard work, talent, and dedication, a person can earn the love and respect of an entire nation. May God bless Ms. Nona and her family, grant her health, peace, spiritual strength, and a long life!”, the message said.