Ecumenical Patriarch sends message of unity as Georgia celebrates 1,700 Years of Christianity

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew extended his congratulations to Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III of All Georgia and the Georgian Orthodox Church on the 1,700th anniversary of the proclamation of Christianity as Georgia’s state religion.

In a message dated October 12, 2026, addressed to Patriarch Shio III and the faithful gathered at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta for the celebrations on October 14, the Ecumenical Patriarch emphasized Georgia’s Christian heritage, the importance of Orthodox unity and the Church’s responsibility toward society.

Patriarch Bartholomew paid particular tribute to St. Nino, the Enlightener of Georgia, whose missionary work in the fourth century led to the conversion of King Mirian and Queen Nana.

He noted that the Georgian Church had preserved its apostolic heritage throughout centuries of hardship through the devotion of the faithful, the witness of martyrs and the ascetic life of monastics.

Reflecting on the significance of the anniversary, the Ecumenical Patriarch stressed that Christian faith must be expressed through everyday actions, particularly through care for those experiencing poverty, illness and loneliness.

He also emphasized…