The merit of the first Patriarch of modern, independent Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, is truly epochal. Such a statement the Prime Minister of Georgia made at the international conference - “Fundamentals of European Civilization and 1700 Years of Christianity in Georgia”.

As he noted, Patriarch Ilia II protected and strengthened the spiritual unity of the nation and created a solid bridge that connects the centuries-old heritage with the modern Georgian statehood.

“The merit of the first Patriarch of modern, independent Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, is truly epochal. It was his leadership, imbued with love and wisdom, that led to the deep establishment of Christian values in the foundations of the newly restored independent state. Patriarch Ilia II protected and strengthened the spiritual unity of the nation and created the solid bridge that connects our centuries-old heritage with modern Georgian statehood”, - said Irakli Kobakhidze.