Georgian Embassy in Washington hosts Patriarchate delegation and diaspora to mark 1,700 years of Christianity as state religion

To mark the 1,700th anniversary of Christianity’s adoption as Georgia’s state religion, the Georgian Embassy in the United States hosted a delegation from the Georgian Patriarchate and members of the Georgian diaspora. Initiated and supported by both the Georgian Government and the Patriarchate, details of the event were published by the Patriarchate, citing the Georgian Embassy in the US.

According to the Georgian Orthodox Church, Bishop Saba (Intskirveli) of North America took part in the event.

“Tamar Taliashvili, Georgia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States, addressed the guests. She highlighted the historic significance of the adoption of Christianity as the state religion in shaping Georgia’s path as a state and its national identity. The Ambassador highlighted the profound significance of the jubilee events for the Georgian diaspora, noting that they were organised on the initiative and with the support of both the Georgian state and the Orthodox Church. She added that compatriots living abroad had been allowed to share in celebrating this remarkable anniversary.

Bishop Saba (Intskirveli) of North America and the head of the Patriarchate’s delegation, Archimandrite Ioane (Mchedlishvili), addressed the diaspora, alongside other delegation members.

During the visit, icons of the Most Holy Saint Mary and of Saint Gabriel were brought to Washington, D.C. These icons hold special significance for the Georgian Orthodox community living in the United States. Following the reception, Bishop Saba held a liturgy at the Washington church of Saint Tamar. The visit included similar events with the Georgian diaspora in several other US cities,” the Patriarchate said.