“In recent history, May 17 was a day of division and incitement of hatred in the nation, with the blessing of the patriarch and the unanimity of the nation, this day became the day of the integrity of the nation over its main values, purity, dignity, family, children, love and unity,” wrote Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili.

According to the Speaker, Georgia and the Georgian people will never be the victims of contrived ideologies.

“Devil divides, God unites. In recent history, May 17 was a day of division and incitement of hatred in the nation fueled by internal or external forces. With the blessing of the patriarch and the unanimity of the nation, this day became the day of integrity of the nation over its main values, purity, dignity, family, children, love and unity.

Today, we see what we fight against, what we strive at and what we wish for our present and future. Our country, our motherland will never be the victim of contrived ideologies that some attempt to preach. I congratulate everyone on Family Purity Day,” Papuashvili wrote on Facebook.

Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II declared May 17 as the Day of Family Purity and Respect for Parents in 2014.

Since 2024, the Government of Georgia has declared May 17 a public holiday to honour the Day of Family Purity and Respect for Parents.