2019-06-01
Saint Nino's coming was an epoch-making event for the Georgian state and our centuries-old history, Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze stated in Poka where he attended the divine liturgy celebrating the 1700th anniversary of Saint Nino's coming to Georgia.
According to the Head of Government, no prayer in the Georgian language was offered here in the course of 300 years. Through the efforts of the Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia, however, services in Georgian were restored 30 years ago, marking an event of historic importance.
"I wish you a happy feast day! 1700 years ago, Saint Nino stepped into this land with a vine cross in her hand, to continue the conversion of Kartli. It was an epoch-making event for the Georgian state and our centuries-old history. A few days ago, we celebrated our major feast, May 26, Day of Georgia's Independence. Today, we are celebrating the 1700th anniversary of Saint Nino's coming and preaching of the true faith. These are the strong roots nourishing the Georgian state, our pride and joy. Because of historical trials and tribulations, this holy ground was deprived of prayer. On the initiative of His Holiness, prayers resumed 30 years ago in this most beautiful place, another epoch-making event. Today, monks and nuns labor her, I would like to express my deepest respect to them. Through your prayers, tireless work, you are empowering the Georgian state, for which I express my deepest gratitude," Mamuka Bakhtadze said.
The Prime Minister spoke about the infrastructural projects planned in the region, and emphasized road and tourism infrastructure designed to increase the number of tourists tenfold.
"I express special holiday wishes to our local population, Georgia's worthy children. We are launching important infrastructural projects to breathe new life economically into this gorgeous region. These will be new roads, tourist infrastructure to increase the number of tourists at least tenfold. The whole world must be aware of the treasure this beautiful land boasts," Mamuka Bakhtadze stated.
The Head of Government, together with clerics and the local population, also participated in the festive procession to Lake Paravani.
Prime Minister's Press Office