Patriarch of Georgia: Christianity shaped Georgia’s identity and place in European civilization

Patriarch Shio III of Georgia highlighted the decisive role of Christianity in shaping Georgia’s national, cultural and spiritual identity during an international conference marking 1,700 years since Christianity was declared the country’s state religion.

Addressing the conference Foundations of European Civilization and 1,700 Years of Christianity in Georgia in Tbilisi on October 2, Patriarch Shio described the anniversary as an opportunity not only to commemorate a major historical event but also to reflect on Georgia’s centuries-long Christian journey and its place within European civilization.

The Patriarch of Georgia welcomed President Mikheil Kavelashvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, representatives of the executive and legislative authorities, members of the Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy, hierarchs and representatives of Christian Churches and international ecclesiastical organizations.

According to Patriarch Shio, the decision taken by Georgia’s ancestors 17 centuries ago firmly established the country’s place among the world’s civilizations.

He recalled the ancient Christian tradition of Georgia, referring to…