A delegation from the Moscow Patriarchate, led by Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations (DECR), has visited Georgia. The delegation was received by Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Shio III.
Archpriest Andria Jagmaidze, head of the Public Relations Service of the Georgian Patriarchate, stated that representatives of the GOC congratulated Shio III on his election as Primate of the Georgian Orthodox Church. At the same time, the parties also discussed sensitive topics:
«The conversation mainly addressed the most acute challenges facing the Georgian Church in the occupied territories—in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region. It was emphasized that this is a core issue that underlies the negative trajectory of relations between the two peoples. In this regard, it is essential to find ways to overcome these hurdles. It was noted that this remains an unhealing wound both for the Georgian Church and for the whole of Georgia,» Jagmaidze said.
According to him, both sides acknowledged that «there is a certain potential to work through issues that would help normalize church life in both regions.»
«The work and contributions of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II were also recalled. Thus, on the whole, this meeting inspires hope that moving forward, it may be possible to develop concrete steps and approaches to inject positive momentum into resolving these painful issues,» Jagmaidze added.
According to a report by the Russian Orthodox Church, the delegation arrived in Georgia on September 28 with the blessing of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. On September 29, Metropolitan Anthony and his delegation made a pilgrimage to the city of Mtskheta.
«En route to Georgia’s ancient capital, they visited the Jvari Monastery. Then, accompanied by Metropolitan Andrew of Gori and Ateni, the pilgrims visited the Svetitskhoveli Patriarchal Cathedral of the Twelve Apostles and the Samtavro Convent, where they venerated the relics of the holy Equals-to-the-Apostles King Mirian and Queen Nana, and Saint Gabriel of Samtavro.»
The delegation also visited the city of Gori—touring the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the church museum, and an Orthodox gymnasium. During the trip, the ROC representatives also visited the Ateni Sioni Convent.
