PM Kobakhidze attends prayer service marking St. Nino’s arrival in Georgia

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, together with members of the Government, on Monday attended a prayer service in the village of Poka marking the feast day commemorating the arrival of St. Nino, the enlightener of Georgia and Equal-to-the-Apostles saint, in the country.

The service was led by Shio III, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. Following the prayer service, the Patriarch addressed the congregation with a sermon and congratulated worshippers on the feast of Ninooba.

As part of the visit, Kobakhidze joined the Patriarch and members of the Holy Synod at the St. Nino Convent in Poka, the museum of St. Michael the Archangel Cathedral in Akhalkalaki.

The visit coincides with the launch of a series of large-scale events dedicated to the 1,700th anniversary of Christianity being declared Georgia’s state religion. The programme, coordinated by the Government and the Georgian Orthodox Church, will include cultural and educational initiatives, scientific conferences and student expeditions.

The anniversary events are scheduled to continue through the celebration of Svetitskhovloba later this year.