Georgia to mark 1,700th anniversary of Christianity as state religion with large-scale events

Georgia will mark the 1,700th anniversary of Christianity being declared the state religion with a series of large-scale educational and cultural events, according to the Government Administration.

Plans for the anniversary celebrations were discussed during a meeting of the joint commission of the Government and the Georgian Patriarchate held at the Government Administration earlier today.

The Administration said the commission is co-chaired by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi and Metropolitan of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia Shio III.

The anniversary events will begin on 26 May and expand into a broader programme from 1 June, including cultural and educational activities, scientific conferences and student expeditions.

The celebrations marking the 1,700th anniversary will continue through the Svetitskhovloba religious holiday. A symposium titled “God, Homeland, Human” is scheduled for 14 October.

The events will be organised jointly by the Government and the Patriarchate.