Georgian PM: this year’s 17 May is special as Georgia marks 1,700 years since Christianity became state religion

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said this year’s 17 May holds special significance for the country as Georgia marks 1,700 years since Christianity was declared the state religion.

Speaking at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi during events dedicated to Family Purity and Respect for Parents Day, Kobakhidze said Christianity had become one of the main pillars of Georgia’s identity and values 17 centuries ago.

“This year, we mark 1,700 years since Christianity was declared the state religion. Seventeen centuries ago, Christianity became one of the main pillars of our country’s uniqueness and identity, shaping our distinct culture and values,” Kobakhidze said.

The Prime Minister said it was on the basis of those values and traditions that 17 May was declared Family Purity and Respect for Parents Day.