Shalva Papuashvili, the Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, extended his congratulations on Independence Day, calling the holiday a symbol of national will, love of freedom, and responsibility.
“Happy Independence Day to Georgia! This day is a symbol of our national will, love of freedom, and responsibility,” he stated.
According to Papuashvili, this year’s holiday holds special significance, as it marks the 1,700th anniversary of the declaration of Christianity as the state religion in Georgia.
“There has never been a time in Georgia’s history when the reflection and struggle for independence ceased. This relentless impulse was passed down from generation to generation, always awaiting the next historical window.
“This year’s celebration holds special significance as we mark the 1,700th anniversary of the declaration of Christianity as the state religion in Georgia. This date reminds us that the Georgian state and the Georgian church have, for 17 centuries, together shaped the spiritual and national foundation that saved us during the most difficult eras,” the politician stated.
Papuashvili emphasized that the Georgian people and Georgia were saved by “national consciousness and three main treasures — love for the Motherland, loyalty to traditions, and steadfastness of faith, the primary guardians of which are two institutions: the Georgian state and the Georgian church.”
“Their separation is impossible. Their history cannot be viewed in isolation. They are two pillars of a single body named Georgia. Two centuries ago, both of these pillars were taken from us, a ‘golden chain’ was placed upon us, and they tried to deprive us of our faith. Since then, we have been fighting for our independence. And this struggle is not yet over,” Papuashvili declared.