“I congratulate everyone for whom Abkhazia is an integral part of their national identity on Abkhazetoba,” said State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality, Tea Akhvlediani, in her statement.

According to the State Minister, the celebration of Abkhazetoba was established at the initiative of His Holiness Ilia II.

“May 23 is a special date. The Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates Saint Simon Kananeli on May 23. He was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, who preached Christianity in Georgia, in the land of Abkhazia. That is why May 23 has a symbolic meaning. It represents a centuries-old history of coexistence between Georgians and Abkhazians based on common Christian values ​​and mutual respect, cultural and human links which will not be erased by either time or artificially erected barriers.

This day is filled with special emotions, the warmest, most beautiful memories for each of us; at the same time, it is an expression of sorrowful thoughts and deep sadness, but also of firm hope.

Celebration of Abkhazetoba was established at the initiative of His Holiness Ilia II and has become the reflection of his unwavering faith that through the path of peace, love and reconciliation, we will restore trust and unity, and this faith today makes us stronger with full responsibility to continue the path to achieving this goal with the same spirit, wisdom, and dignity.

We deeply believe that building trust and peace, reconciliation and development represent a non-alternative way in a strong Georgian state to achieve our common prosperity and a better future, which is endorsed by the Georgian government’s peace initiatives and state policy of reconciliation.

We keep faith that the day will come when we will celebrate May 23 not only with the feeling of missing but rejoice in being together,” Tea Akvlediani said.