On June 4, Patriarch Shio III of Georgia received Zaza Vashakmadze, Chairman of the State Agency for Religious Affairs, at the Patriarchal Residence.
The Agency’s Chairman congratulated the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia on his enthronement, and then presented the Agency’s activities, responsibilities, and projects.
He emphasised the serious situation regarding religious freedom in the occupied territories, drawing attention to violations of fundamental human rights, such as freedom of religion and belief. He also highlighted the persecution and harassment of the Georgian Orthodox Church, restrictions on religious services, and encroachments on religious sites in the occupied regions, as well as attempts to erase their Georgian cultural identity.
Photo: State Agency for Religious Affairs
