Today, as Europe faces challenges regarding its values, it is vitally important to ask a fundamental question: what gives us strength and unites us, and upon what foundation should we build our future – Mikheil Kavelashvili

This year, Georgia marks the 1,700th anniversary of the declaration of Christianity as the state religion; seventeen centuries ago, our spiritual choice significantly shaped the character, culture, and historical path of the Georgian nation. Mikheil Kavelashvili stated this at the opening of the conference titled "Foundations of European Civilization and 1,700 Years of Christianity in Georgia."

As he noted, for centuries, Georgia has stood as a steadfast guardian of Christian Europe. Georgia is a country that, for centuries, has served not only as a physical bridge between East and West but has itself stood as a living example of cultural diversity and the harmonious unity of different peoples.

Although our history is a chronicle of constant struggle against invaders and imperial ambitions, peoples of diverse faiths, languages, and traditions have long coexisted peacefully on our land, forming a unified national body.

It is a source of pride that Georgia has never witnessed discrimination or persecution based on ethnicity or religion; the peaceful coexistence of places of worship belonging to various denominations—standing side by side in our capital for centuries—serves as irrefutable proof of this. The Georgian people have always been open to world cultures, yet have never lost their own national and spiritual self-sufficiency.

When we speak of the origins of European civilization and recall Hellenic philosophy or Roman law, we must also appreciate the legacy of our ancestors—from the Colchian Academy of Phasis to the Georgian... The intellectual spirit has played a pivotal role in shaping European and Christian identity.

For centuries, Georgia stood as a steadfast guardian of Christian Europe. Through a rich spiritual heritage, an ancient writing system, and centers of learning such as the Gelati and Ikalto academies, our ancestors created a culture founded on humanism, freedom, and supreme national ideals.

Georgian art, philosophical thought, and literature organically integrated and further enriched the centuries-old legacies of both Western and Eastern civilizations.

"This year, Georgia marks the 1,700th anniversary of the proclamation of Christianity as the state religion. Seventeen centuries ago, our spiritual choice profoundly shaped the character, culture, and historical path of the Georgian nation," noted Kavelashvili.

He added that during the most trying historical moments and times of adversity, it was the Mother Church that united the nation and safeguarded the Georgian language and historical memory. "For us, Christianity has been not only a matter of faith but also the spiritual force and intellectual foundation that preserved our national identity through turbulent times and taught us that human dignity, love for one’s homeland, freedom, and responsibility are inseparable. It is precisely these values ​​that formed the foundation of European civilization.

Today, as Europe faces challenges regarding its values, it is crucial to ask a fundamental question: what gives us strength and unites us, and upon what foundation should we build our future? I firmly believe that the answer to this question lies in our Christian roots and our enduring, timeless values—love for one’s neighbor, compassion, supreme justice, and respect for human dignity.

Against the backdrop of today’s global challenges, the necessity of preserving an unwavering spiritual and national foundation becomes even more apparent. In this regard, I wish to particularly emphasize the importance of the institution of the family, which [is vital to] our country’s unity, strength, and..." It is the cornerstone of a dignified future. It is a space where national identity, traditions, and eternal values ​​are passed down from generation to generation.

I believe that future generations will worthily uphold and preserve this centuries-old heritage—respect for the institution of the family, national distinctiveness, and spiritual fortitude. Just as in the past, Georgia will continue to be a unique example of faith, tradition, tolerance, and cultural diversity, where unity and peace forge the immortal future of our people,” stated the President of Georgia.