Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem welcomed today at the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Maka Botchorishvili, and the accompanying diplomats and officials, in a spirit of Christian fellowship and gratitude to the Lord.
Patriarch Theophilos received the delegation with warmth and reflected that their visit arrives at a moment when the region yearns for peace, recalling the words of the Apostle, “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33).
The Patriarch spoke of the living history of the Jerusalem Patriarchate, from the first Christian community to its continued pastoral service across centuries. He highlighted the profound bond between the Patriarchate and the Georgian people, reminding the Minister that Saint Nina carried the light of the Gospel from Jerusalem to Georgia and prayed at the Holy Sepulchre.
Patriarch Theophilos described the enduring mission of the Patriarchate in safeguarding the holy sites, welcoming pilgrims, and sustaining nearly 30 monasteries in the Old City. He offered special remembrance for the Monastery of Saint Porphyrios in Gaza and honoured the contribution of the Patriarch Elias of Georgia for the unity of the Orthodox Churches.
As a gesture of friendship, the Patriarch presented the Minister with an icon of the newly restored Sacred Edicule, and she offered a Georgian gift in return, seeking his blessing to venerate the Holy Sepulchre.
Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem
