“Christian values are the basis of self-awareness of Georgians and they have been defining our history, traditions and culture for centuries,” said Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili in his congratulatory message to mark the 106th anniversary of autocephaly restoration of the Georgian Orthodox Church (GOC).

“I wholeheartedly congratulate the Apostolic Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Georgia, the entire Georgian society, on the 106th anniversary of the restoration of autocephaly.

With the restoration of self-government of the church on 25th March 1917, the Georgian people returned to the ancient traditions of Orthodoxy and the difficult path of restoration of historical justice began with a decisive step taken towards Georgia’s independence at the same time.

Today, we remember the best sons and daughters of our country with gratitude, who spared no effort to restore historical justice. It should be noted here that the restoration of autocephaly in its full form and the official recognition of the ancient autocephaly, was made possible only recently – in 1990 – thanks to the great deeds and international authority of His Holiness, Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II.

Christian values are the basis of self-awareness of Georgians and they have been defining our history, traditions and culture for centuries. Even in the modern era, during the construction of European Georgia, traditional values that are embodied by the Mother Church, solidify our identity.

Therefore, this day has a great symbolic meaning. It is yet another confirmation of the independence and authority of the Church and at the same time – recognition of the important role that the Church plays in our public life and in building a better future.

I wish peace, prosperity and progress to our church, Georgia and its people. God bless Georgia!” the PM said.