At the initiative of Nino Tsilosani, Vice-Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, an event was held for parliamentary interns to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the proclamation of Christianity as the state religion in Georgia.

The participants were welcomed by Shalva Papuashvili, Speaker of the Parliament.

As the Speaker noted, the proclamation of Christianity as the state religion 1,700 years ago entrusted Georgia with a historic mission, which the country has faithfully fulfilled over the centuries: “Christian statehood means being part of European civilisation for us. When we speak about our European aspirations, we are, in fact, striving to remain faithful to our own past. Georgia is a co-creator of European civilisation, since European civilisation is founded precisely on Christian values”.

Papuashvili also noted that living in an era when the 1,700th anniversary of the proclamation of Christianity as the state religion is being celebrated in one’s country is both a special responsibility and an honour.

The parliamentary interns were also addressed by Metropolitan Daniel of Chiatura and Sachkhere, who delivered a report entitled “Georgia’s Christian Heritage and Its Role in Shaping National Identity”.

The participants also heard a presentation by theologian Giorgi Gvasalia entitled “Christianity as the Foundation of Human Relations.”

As part of the event, the parliamentary interns watched “Terzo Mondo”, a film directed by Merab Kokochashvili, as well as the video clips “Pilgrimages” and “Georgia: A Christian State – 1700”.