Georgian President: restoration of Georgian Orthodox Church autocephaly landmark event for nation

Georgian president Mikheil Kavelashvili on Wednesday marked the anniversary of the Restoration of Autocephaly of the Apostolic Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Georgia, stressing that the restoration of independence for the Georgian Church is a “fundamental event” in the life of the nation.

In his message, Kavelashvili noted that the celebration was overshadowed by the passing of the country's longtime spiritual leader.

“Today is a special day in the history of our country and nation. Today is the day of the restoration of the autocephaly of the Georgian Apostolic Orthodox Church! The restoration of the autocephaly of the Georgian Apostolic Orthodox Church is an event of fundamental importance in the life of our nation, and it is especially sad that we are celebrating such an important date without our spiritual father, His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II”, the president said.

He emphasised that the restoration of autocephaly is not only of practical importance but also carries deep symbolic meaning, as it reaffirmed the unity of the Georgian people and their Church.

“On March 25, 1917, the restoration of the autocephaly of the Georgian Orthodox Church, along with its practical significance, had great symbolic significance, because on this day the Georgian Church regained its independence, which again united the nation and the monastery. This historical event once again confirmed the loyalty of the Georgian nation to its faith, traditions and spiritual values”, Kavelashvili added.

“I wish you peace, unity and spiritual strength, especially now, in these difficult days. May the Lord strengthen our country and the Church, so that in the future we can continue to serve our homeland and our traditions with dignity”, he concluded.