Ruling party MP Beridze highlights unity, interfaith solidarity after Patriarch’s death

Archil Beridze, deputy chair of the Georgian Dream parliamentary faction, has said the period of mourning following the death of the Patriarch revealed unity, compassion and mutual respect within Georgian society.

Speaking at a plenary session of parliament on Tuesday, Beridze highlighted what he described as strong interfaith solidarity, including gestures of support from Muslim communities. He said this demonstrated that Georgia was “not just a geographical space, but a value” where people of different beliefs are united by shared respect.

“Our strength lies not in our differences, but in respecting those differences,” he said, adding that such unity should be preserved not only in times of hardship but in everyday life.

Beridze stressed that a society which respects one another’s faith is stronger, and said the values “underpin” the country’s statehood. Referring to the Patriarch’s message of “God, homeland, human,” he said this value system continued to guide political life.

He also pointed to what he described as the country’s ability to preserve peace and avoid conflict as a result of “prudent and responsible” state policy, rooted in Georgia’s history, traditions and long-term vision.