Vance praises Georgian patriarch's work

Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia of All Georgia. Photo: open sources

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance spoke highly of the work of Patriarch Ilia of Georgia. Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili shared this after his meeting with Vance in Milan.

Kavelashvili said the American official was well informed about Georgia’s Christian identity and traditions. Vance spoke of Georgia with respect and noted Patriarch Ilia’s role in preserving traditional values. The American side was particularly interested in the fact that Georgia established a Family Purity Day on May 17 at the initiative of Patriarch Ilia II – a move that, as noted, coincided with the recent decision on a National Day of Prayer in the United States.

As the UOJ previously reported, the Georgian Orthodox Church has begun preparations for the 1,700th anniversary of the Baptism of Georgia. This year the country is marking the milestone, underscoring its status as one of the world’s most ancient Christian nations. Patriarch Ilia II, who has led the Church since 1977, plays a key role in the nation’s public and spiritual life.

Read also