Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili arrived in Kvareli town together with his children to attend the Iliaoba tradition celebration.

Also accompanied by Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, Kakheti Regional Envoy Giorgi Aladashvili and representatives of executive, legislative and local authorities, he commemorated Ilia Chavchavadze, a prominent writer, poet and public figure.

Mikheil Kavelashvili visited Ilia Chavchavadze’s house-museum and addressed locals.

“Ilia Chavchavadze was the individual who dedicated his entire life to the motherland. If it weren’t for Ilia Chavchavadze and his associates, we wouldn’t be as strong as we are today, we wouldn’t speak our language, protect our motherland or be Christians. It is impossible to imagine Georgia without this greatest person, who played the biggest role in Georgia’s history.

Georgia will exist, the idea that our great Ilia Chavchavadze, this brilliant man, created during those difficult times, in the shackles of the empire, will definitely exist; he who left these excellent postulates: “Motherland, Language, Faith,” or “Our selves belong to us.” Our modern state stands on these postulates. Our church canonized Ilia Chavchavadze as Saint Ilia the Righteous, because he dedicated his entire life to love for his homeland and, like a candle, burned away in the love for motherland,” he said.

Cultural and entertaining activities continued during the day for locals and guests. A gala concert will conclude the activities dedicated to Ilia Chavchavadze’s 188th jubilee.