Adjara leader marks restoration of Georgian Orthodox Church autocephaly, hails late Patriarch

Adjara Government Chairman Sulkhan Tamazashvili has commemorated the Restoration of the Georgian Orthodox Church’s Autocephaly, describing it as a significant date in the nation’s history.

Tamazashvili on Wednesday noted that this year the celebration was marked by deep sorrow following the passing of the spiritual leader of the nation, Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II.

“On 25 March 1917, the Georgian people regained historical autocephaly, and His Holiness Ilia II played a pivotal role in strengthening and consolidating it. The Georgian Church has always been and remains a key pillar of our national unity and statehood. It is our duty to preserve the unity and values that the Patriarch has left us,” Tamazashvili said.

He highlighted the Church’s “enduring role” in supporting Georgia’s national identity and spiritual cohesion.