ECPP

Georgia’s 17 Centuries of Christian Faith Honored at the European Parliament I delivered a speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on October 5, 2026, in tribute to the Georgian nation and its 17 centuries of fidelity to the Christian faith. The address honored the Georgian people, highlighted the historic role of Christianity in preserving Georgia’s identity, culture, and national unity, and reflected on the broader Christian foundations of European civilization. The speech also called on Europe to rediscover the Christian faith, values, and spiritual heritage that have profoundly shaped its history. ======================================= Today we give thanks to God as we honor the Georgian nation for 17 centuries of fidelity to Christian faith, a testimony to courage, strength, and national identity. For 1700 years, the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been at the heart of Georgia's national life. Through persecution, invasion, and suffering, the Cross of Christ has remained a source of hope, courage, and unity for the Georgian nation. The Church has preserved not only the faith of the Georgian people, but also their language, culture, traditions, and national identity. This anniversary also speaks powerfully to Europe. Christianity is not simply one chapter of Europe's past, but the principal foundation of European civilization. The Christian proclamation that every human person is created in the image of God has shaped our understanding of human dignity, charity, justice, freedom, forgiveness, and responsibility. Georgia reminds us that the strength of a nation rests not on material means alone, but on faith, memory, and spiritual conviction. May God bless the Georgian people, strengthen their Christian witness, and help Europe rediscover the Christian faith that has so profoundly shaped its soul. Thank you. Strasbourg, 05.10.2026

I honoured the memory of His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All #Georgia, in a speech delivered in the plenary of the European Parliament on April 27, 2026. "The Georgian Christian nation suffered in March 2026 a profound and painful loss: the passing of its spiritual leader, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, Catholicos Patriarch of all Georgia. In an era of trials and spiritual drought, he became the living embodiment of faith, courage and paternal love. Becoming Patriarch in 1977 during Soviet darkness, he fearlessly revived the Georgian Church and lighted the flame of Christ in millions of Georgian hearts. A profound theologian and tireless shepherd, Ilia II defended the Georgian spiritual identity, language, and ancient traditions in times of struggle. His wisdom guided the Georgian nation through independence and hardship alike, uniting all Georgians in prayer, action, and hope. His presence brought peace, and his words carried the power of Scripture. As a member of the European Parliament, I evoke the memory of Patriarch Ilia II here today, so that his shining example of faith and courage will remain eternal here. May the Lord grant him eternal rest, and may the Georgian nation keep his eternal memory. Amen. Thank you."