Georgian prime minister meets Patriarch Shio III and Orthodox delegations at 1700‑year Christianity symposium
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met with Catholicos‑Patriarch Shio III of All Georgia and heads of international Orthodox delegations on October 12, 2026, as they gathered for a symposium marking 1,700 years since Christianity was proclaimed the state religion of Georgia.
The gathering underscores the country’s commitment to honoring its Christian heritage while strengthening ties with fellow Orthodox churches, a diplomatic dimension that reinforces Georgia’s cultural identity on the world stage.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Kobakhidze thanked the delegations for their presence and highlighted the decisive role of the Georgian Church in safeguarding and strengthening the nation’s spiritual values. He praised the long‑standing service of the late Catholicos‑Patriarch Ilia II, whose leadership helped shape modern Georgian society.
Representatives from the Patriarchates of Alexandria, Antioch, Cyprus, Greece, Poland and Ukraine attended. The Alexandria delegation was led by Bishop Damaskinos of Mareotis, while Metropolitan Niphon represented Antioch. Metropolitan Nektarios of Kition arrived on behalf of the Church of Cyprus, and Metropolitan Damaskios of Didymoteicho, Orestiada and Soufli spoke for the Greek Orthodox Church. The Polish delegation included Bishop Andrzej Borkowski of Supraśl, accompanied by Archpriests Henryk Paprocki and Jarosław Jóźwik. From Ukraine, Metropolitan Sergiy of Ternopil and Kremenets, Archbishop Job of Shumsk, Archpriest Vasyl Vozniuk and Deacon Maksym Savchuk were present.
Georgian hierarchs also took part, among them Metropolitan Theodore of Akhaltsikhe, Metropolitan Saba of Khoni, Metropolitan Gerasime of Zugdidi, Metropolitan Andria of Gori, Bishop Melchizedek of Margveti and Bishop Vakhtang of Nikortsminda. The delegates exchanged commemorative gifts and reiterated their affection for Georgia, emphasizing the Georgian Orthodox Church’s contribution to the wider Orthodox world.
The symposium will continue with theological workshops, cultural exhibitions and visits to historic sites such as the Holy Trinity and Sioni cathedrals, where a memorial service honored the late Patriarch Ilia II. Organizers say the events aim to deepen spiritual bonds and showcase Georgia’s enduring Christian legacy.
