The Patriarch on Georgia's Efforts for the Return of Armenian Prisoners

On April 29, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, hosted Mikheil Kavelashvili, the President of Georgia, who is on an official visit to Armenia, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

During the meeting, the Armenian Patriarch spoke about the centuries-old friendship between the two peoples. His Holiness noted that throughout history, the Armenian and Georgian peoples, relying on their Christian faith and values, have been able to overcome numerous difficulties and challenges while preserving their national identity and character.

The Catholicos expressed gratitude to the Georgian authorities for their mediation efforts in the return of fifteen Armenian prisoners of war, as well as for their caring attitude towards the Armenian community in Georgia. He also conveyed fraternal greetings and well-wishes to His Holiness Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia.

President Mikheil Kavelashvili positively reflected on the outcomes of his official visit to Armenia. He emphasized the unique role of Christian faith in preserving the spiritual, cultural, and national identity of both peoples, as well as in overcoming historical challenges.

The President assured His Holiness that Georgia will continue its mediation efforts towards establishing peace and stability in the region and the release of prisoners.

Kavelashvili, accompanied by clergy, visited the Mother Cathedral and learned about the history of the renovated sanctuary. Present at the meeting were the Director of the Mother See's Department of External Relations and Protocol, Archbishop Nathan Hovhannisyan, the Director of the Diocese’s Economic Office, Bishop Mushegh Babayan, the head of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, Bishop Kirakos Davtyan, and the ambassadors of both countries.