With the blessing of the Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia, a member of the Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church, Bishop Georgios of Marneuli and Khujabi, visits Greece and Mount Athos.
In the context of the visit, with the permission and blessing of Metropolitan Anthimos of Thessaloniki, on April 2, Bishop Georgios celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the historic Church of Panagia Acheiropoietos.
Georgian clergy of Thessaloniki, Hieromonk Irenaeus (Sengelia), Hieromonk Ieronymos (Katamatze), and clergy of the local parish participated in the service.
The Divine Liturgy was also attended by the Consul General of Georgia in Greece, Nodar Komakhidze, Greek and Georgian believers, and other guests.
At the end of the service, the Georgian High Priest addressed the faithful, expressing his warm thanks to the Metropolitan of Thessaloniki for the permission and honor given to him to officiate the Divine Liturgy in the historic Church.
In addition, on behalf of the Patriarchate of Georgia, he publicly thanked the Church of Greece for the help (free studies, scholarships, accommodation, etc.) it provides to Georgian clergymen and students who come to study in Greece.
In his speech, Bishop George spoke of the importance of inter-Orthodox relations between the Orthodox Churches of Greece and Georgia, stressing the need to strengthen these relations.
Bishop Georgios did not overlook the difficulties that the whole world is facing today, due to Russia’s armed attack against Ukraine, recalling the fact that the territories of Georgia are occupied by Russia.
He said he was praying for peace in the world and urged faithful Christians to continue their prayers.
