Georgian Church Hosts Reception for Diplomatic Corps, Discusses Peace and EU Candidacy

patriarchate.ge – OCP News Service – 09/12/2023

Tbilisi -Georgia: On December 6, 2023, the Patriarchate of Georgia hosted a reception for the diplomatic corps operating in the country. Representatives of the diplomatic community were initially welcomed by senior clergy members, including Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) of Senaki and Chkhorotsku, Metropolitan Theodore (Chuadze) of Akhaltsikhe and Tao-Klarjeti, and Metropolitan Gerasime (Sharashenidze). The reception culminated in a meeting with His Holiness Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia.

During the meeting, Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) and other clergy discussed the past and present state of the Georgian Church, global affairs, and the importance of achieving peace. Diplomats extended their congratulations to Georgia on receiving a recommendation for EU candidate status, reiterating their unwavering support for the country and its people. They emphasized Georgia’s natural affiliation with Europe and the promising future of closer ties.

Meeting individually with the Catholicos-Patriarch, each ambassador expressed their admiration for Georgia and its church. Notably, the European Union Ambassador to Georgia, Mr. Pavel Herchinsky, stated that the European Union family is incomplete without Georgia. He recognized the significance of Georgia’s unique Christian culture and traditions both for the country itself and for the broader European space. He also expressed his gratitude to the Catholicos-Patriarch for his positive response to the recommendation for EU candidate status.

Similarly, the American Ambassador, Ms. Robin Dunnigan, expressed her deep appreciation for Georgia’s history and culture. She noted having met hundreds of Georgians who hold the Catholicos-Patriarch in high esteem, signifying the widespread respect for His Holiness. The warm reception further solidified this observation.

The diplomats also took the opportunity to congratulate the Catholicos-Patriarch on his 90th birthday and 45th anniversary. They acknowledged the crucial role of the Church of Georgia and His Holiness in Georgia’s development, and wished him good health and long life.

In turn, the Catholicos-Patriarch expressed his gratitude to the guests for their visit and collaboration with Georgia. He wished them success in their endeavors and extended Christmas and New Year greetings.

Ambassador of the European Union, Representative of the Vatican Embassy, ​​United States of America, Great Britain, France, Germany, Poland, Bulgaria, Greece, Israel, Italy, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Iran, Netherlands, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Romania, China, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malta, Japan, Czech Republic, Sweden and Slovenia attended the meeting.

This event signifies the strong relationship between the Georgian Church and the international community, built on shared values and cooperation.

Source:

OCP News Services- patriarchate.ge