“You are indivisible parts of Georgia and our nation’s ambassadors abroad. Therefore, your responsibility is immeasurable. I bless you and wish you unwavering faith, and loyalty to the motherland,” declared His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, in a heartfelt letter addressed to the participants of the Diaspora Day forum.

The Georgian Orthodox Church (GOC) released the Patriarch’s letter, in which Ilia II emphasized his ongoing commitment to the diaspora. He recalled that he has traditionally addressed diaspora representatives annually and urged them to reach out with letters expressing their hopes and proposals—efforts designed to foster their “closer ties to Georgia.”

“You must remember that you are inseparable parts of Georgia and serve as our country’s ambassadors abroad. Your responsibilities are vast and profound. I bless you and wish you steadfast faith, and unwavering loyalty to our homeland. I pray for your success in your private life, and peace and joy within your families. May God bless this land where we are, all Georgians, and the entire nation of Georgia,” the Patriarch wrote.

Georgia observes Diaspora Day on May 27.