Georgia “given unique opportunity” to present its ancient culture in Vatican - FM at opening of mosaic mural
“Georgia is a historical part of Europe with its culture, beliefs, ideals and values. For centuries, our country has represented a natural bridge connecting Asia and Europe, Eastern and Western civilisations, and this fact successfully facilitated dialogue between societies, exchange of ideas and strength of relationship”, Darchiashvili added in his address. Photo via MFA of Georgia
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Georgia has been “given a unique opportunity” to present its ancient culture among the world masterpieces in the Vatican - “a space carrying cultural values of world importance”, Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili said on Tuesday at the inaugural ceremony of unveiling a Georgian mosaic mural of Our Lady of Iviron in the Holy See in the Vatican city.
Georgian mosaic mural of Our Lady of Iviron in the Holy See. Photo via MFA of Georgia
Darchiashvili noted it was “an immense honour and privilege” to participate in the event “at this very important stage” for Georgia, as the country was waiting for the European Council’s decision on granting Georgia the EU membership candidate status, following the European Commission’s recommendation to the Council on the country’s candidacy.
We have an optimistic expectation that the EU leaders will make a positive decision [on Georgia’s candidacy] in December. With the status of a candidate country, our state will get even closer to the European family and its full membership”, he emphasised.
It was an immense honor and privilege to participate in the inaugural ceremony of the Georgian mosaic of Our Lady of Iviron in the Holy See. A massive thank you to each and every member of our team who contributed to this historic occasion. This is yet another huge step in… pic.twitter.com/chum6seaZ7
— Ilia Darchiashvili (@iliadarch) November 28, 2023
Georgia is a historical part of Europe with its culture, beliefs, ideals and values. For centuries, our country has represented a natural bridge connecting Asia and Europe, Eastern and Western civilisations, and this fact successfully facilitated dialogue between societies, exchange of ideas and strength of relationship”, Darchiashvili added in his address.
He also emphasised the “excellent relations” between Georgia and the Vatican City, highlighting the centuries-old mutual friendship and traditional cooperation.
Photo via MFA of Georgia
Special merits of Pope Francis and Georgian Orthodox Patriarch Patriarch Ilia II in carrying out the “historic decision” to place the mosaic in the Vatican were highlighted by the Minister, expressing gratitude to the Pope on behalf of the Government “for his personal contribution”. He also thanked Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, who runs the Vatican City state and Ketevan Bagration-Mukhranbatoni, Georgia’s Ambassador.
Reception dedicated to the opening of the mural at the Palazzo della Cancelleria. Photo via MFA of Georgia
Earlier today the Palazzo della Cancelleria, a historical Renaissance palace, hosted a solemn reception dedicated to the opening of the mural, with Deputy FM Khatuna Totladze stressing the event was “an opportunity” to celebrate “the strong friendship [of the two states] connected by many historical events and deeply rooted in Christian culture”.
Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili will feature at the unveiling of a mosaic mural of the Holy Virgin of Iveria in the Vatican on Tuesday to mark a “new milestone” in bilateral ties, the Georgian foreign office said on Monday.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Monday held a farewell meeting with José Avelino Bettencourt, the Ambassador of the Holy See to Georgia, after the latter completed his diplomatic term in the country.
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Pope Francis departed Tbilisi Shota Rustaveli International Airport about 8am this morning after spending two days in Georgia.
Ilia II, the Catholicos Patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church and religious leaders from the Church on Wednesday met foreign diplomats to discuss the anticipated granting of the European Union membership candidate status to the country.
Sofia Kartsivadze, the Chargé d'Affaires of Georgia to the Holy See, participated in the annual meeting of Pope Francis with the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See for the exchange of greetings for the New Year.