Metropolitan of the Czech Lands highlights Orthodox unity as Georgia celebrates 1,700 years of Christianity

Metropolitan Rostislav of the Czech Lands and Slovakia congratulated the Georgian Orthodox Church on the 1,700th anniversary of the proclamation of Christianity as Georgia’s state religion, emphasizing the importance of shared faith, spiritual heritage and unity among Orthodox Christians.

Addressing the celebrations at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta, the Metropolitan recalled the adoption of Christianity as the state religion of the Kingdom of Kartli in 326, during the reign of King Mirian III.

He described the historic event as a turning point that shaped Georgia’s spiritual identity and strengthened the nation throughout centuries of wars, persecution and hardship.

Metropolitan Rostislav paid particular tribute to St. Nino, the Enlightener of Georgia, whose missionary work contributed to the country’s conversion to Christianity.

Drawing a parallel with the Christian history of Central Europe, he highlighted the role of St. Ludmila in spreading the Christian faith in the Czech lands.

As a symbol of the spiritual bonds between the two Orthodox Churches, Metropolitan Rostislav presented Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III of Georgia with an icon containing a relic of St.…