Georgia marks restoration of church autocephaly

The Georgian Orthodox Church marks the anniversary of the restoration of its autocephaly on 25 March, a key date in the country’s religious history.

The church restored its independence on 25 March 1917. While its autocephaly was recognised in practice by other Orthodox churches, this recognition had not been formally documented.

Official confirmation came decades later, on 4 March 1990, when the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople formally recognised the Georgian Church’s autocephaly.

The move followed sustained efforts by Ilia II, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, and marked a significant milestone in the church’s modern history.