US delegation highlights Georgian Church’s historic role as voice of reconciliation

A visiting US State Department delegation has highlighted the Georgian Orthodox Church’s historic role as a voice of reconciliation and expressed hope that it will continue to strengthen national unity, according to a statement released on Sunday by the US Embassy in Georgia.

The remarks followed a meeting on Wednesday with the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, at the Patriarchate in Tbilisi.

According to the statement, the US delegation underscored the civilisational ties that underpin US-Georgian relations and described faith, family, national identity and respect for God-given rights as fundamental values shared between the two countries.

The delegation also drew attention to the Christian virtues that it said have distinguished Georgian civilisation for centuries, including compassion and mercy.

“The US delegation highlighted the Church’s historic mission of serving as a voice of reconciliation among Georgians and expressed hope that it would continue this mission of strengthening national unity with renewed spirit,” the statement said.

The delegation further noted that the United States looks forward to deepening its relationship with the Georgian Orthodox Church.

According to the Embassy, the meeting focused on the values and historical connections that form the foundation of the partnership between the United States and Georgia.