PM attends prayer service marking Saint Nino’s arrival in Georgia

Irakli Kobakhidze, Prime Minister of Georgia together with members of the Government, attended a prayer service in Phoka dedicated to the commemoration of the arrival in Georgia of the Enlightener of the Georgian people and Equal-to-the-Apostles, Saint Nino, the Government Administration reported.

The service was officiated by His Holiness and Beatitude, Shio III, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi and Metropolitan of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia.

Following the prayer service, the Patriarch addressed the congregation with a sermon and congratulated the faithful on the feast of Ninooba.

The Prime Minister of Georgia together with His Holiness and members of the Holy Synod also visited the Saint Nino Convent in Phoka. He met with the abbess of the monastery, Mother Superior Elisabed and extended his congratulations on the occasion.

Later in the day, the Head of Government of Georgia accompanied by members of the Cabinet, visited the museum of the St. Michael the Archangel Cathedral in Akhalkalaki.

The Prime Minister of Georgia and the Patriarch were hosted at the episcopal residence by Metropolitan Nikoloz, Metropolitan of Akhalkalaki, Kumurdo and Kari.

Beginning today, events marking the 1700th anniversary of the proclamation of Christianity as the state religion of Georgia will enter a large-scale phase. Organized in coordination between the Government of Georgia and the Georgian Patriarchate, the anniversary program will include cultural and educational initiatives, scientific conferences and student expeditions. The commemorative events will continue through the celebration of Svetitskhovloba.