In Georgia 1,700 years of Christianity: Celebration in Tbilisi
The launch of the conference was a social event of national significance. In addition to President Mikheil Kavelashvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, and His Holiness Shio III, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, numerous politicians from across Europe attended.
An impressive short film highlighted the journey of Georgian Christianity—from its beginnings to the dark decades under Lenin and Stalin, during which churches were destroyed and clergy were persecuted. A visit to the Bodbe Monastery made the reconstruction following the Soviet era tangible. Where ruins once stood, nuns have created an impressive oasis of faith with State support.
Whilst the impressive opening session was devoted primarily to politicians, the second and third parts of the conference were dedicated to intensive, substance-driven specialist lectures. Gerhard Pross contributed the perspective of Together for Europe on the topic of “Marriage and Family.” Core statements from his heartfelt presentation were directly incorporated into the official written declaration of the conference.
The trip provided a platform to deepen existing contacts and forge new ones. Furthermore, the conference demonstrated the blessing that a Christian foundation can bring to a country, offering a sense of encouragement to many of the international guests.
At the same time, the event provided an opportunity for discussion and critical reflection: in private conversations on the fringes of the conference – for example, with a Romanian Member of the European Parliament – participants reflected on the potential, but also on the critical issues relating to the political stance of certain MEPs.
Beatriz Lauenroth