The 26th of May is the most significant day in the history of our country. It embodies the Georgian people’s centuries-long striving and struggle for freedom, for the defence of the Christian faith and national values. The Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Shio III, said in his address at the ceremonial event dedicated to Georgia`s Independence Day.

"On the path towards the attainment and consolidation of independence, the Georgian Orthodox Church has always been the spiritual foundation of the Georgian people and the bedrock of national unity.

It is telling that the restoration of the Church’s autocephaly preceded the achievement of statehood. In its striving towards truth, the Georgian people came to know freedom in Christ, and it was precisely that truth which set them free. True freedom is not merely an outward expression of independence, nor a legacy inherited from the past; above all, it speaks to the spiritual condition of the human person and demands great responsibility from each of us. It is unceasing labour, dedication, and faithful service to our faith, our neighbour, our Motherland, and to righteousness", - said the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Shio III.