PM: Christianity has been central to Georgia’s statehood, national identity

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said Christianity has shaped Georgia’s statehood, culture and national identity for centuries, arguing that the country’s adoption of Christianity as the state religion 1,700 years ago determined its place in the European Christian world.

Speaking at the international conference Foundations of European Civilization - 1,700 Years of Christianity in Georgia,  Kobakhidze said Christianity had reached Georgia as early as the first century through the preaching of the apostles, while its adoption as the state religion in the fourth century had “irreversibly determined” the country’s path.

“Gospel values became the main axis of our statehood, culture, identity and national consciousness, making Georgia an integral part of the European Christian world and one of its oldest creators,” Kobakhidze said.

He said Orthodox Christianity had helped Georgia preserve its identity over centuries as the country stood at the crossroads of major empires and civilisations.

Kobakhidze also highlighted the contribution of the Georgian Apostolic Autocephalous Orthodox Church and prominent religious and public figures to the preservation of the country’s spiritual and national identity.

The international conference is being held in Tbilisi as part of events marking the 1,700th anniversary of the proclamation of Christianity as the state religion in Georgia. More than 40 Georgian and international scholars are participating in the National Archives’ anniversary conference, which runs through October 3.