Georgian President highlights Christianity’s role in preserving national identity and European values

Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili emphasized the historical role of Christianity in shaping Georgia’s national identity, preserving its cultural heritage and strengthening its ties with European civilization during the opening of the international conference Foundations of European Civilisation and 1,700 Years of Christianity in Georgia, held on October 2.

Addressing participants, the President noted that Georgia is celebrating 1,700 years since the declaration of Christianity as its state religion, describing the decision as a defining moment in the country’s history.

He stressed that Georgia has served not only as a geographical bridge between East and West but also as a meeting point of different cultures, religions and traditions.

According to Kavelashvili, despite centuries of foreign invasions and imperial ambitions, Georgia has maintained its cultural and religious diversity while safeguarding its national and spiritual identity.

Referring to Georgia’s contribution to European civilization, he highlighted the country’s intellectual and cultural heritage, from the ancient Colchian Academy of Phasis to the medieval academies of Gelati and Iqalto.

“For…