The visit of the rector of Sukhumi State
University, Professor Zurab Khonelidze, continued with an important and
historic meeting in Istanbul: on July 30, 2022, the delegation of Sokhumi State
University was welcomed by His All-Holiness Bartholomew at the residence of the
Ecumenical Patriarchate. The meeting was attended by the archimandrite of the
Ecumenical Patriarchate, the head of the Georgian parish of Constantinople,
father Ilia Jinjolava.
The rector thanked the Patriarch for his contribution to world peace, for the support and cooperation in the integrity of the Georgian state and church. As a sign of gratitude, he presented the Georgian Panagia to Bartholomew I and he introduced him to the resolution of the academic council of the university regarding his election as an honorary doctorate of Sokhumi State University.
His All-Holiness Patriarch thanked the rector and members of the delegation for the visit. He thanked academic council for its decision as well. Bartholomew I mentioned that it was a great honor and responsibility for him, which he humbly accepted from Sokhumi State University.
During the meeting, the Ecumenical Patriarch sent his brotherly regards to the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. He congratulated him on the Day of the Angel – Iliaoba (August 2) – and he recalled his several meetings with His All-Holiness Ilia II.
There was a conversation about Abkhazia as well. According to Mr. Zurab, the situation that Georgia is facing nowadays cannot be measured only by some percentages. It is a complex issue that affects the daily life of Georgians and Abkhazians. In addition, the future of peaceful development of the region depends on it as well.
The Ecumenical Patriarch shared the vision of the rector of Sukhumi State University about these issues and sharply stated his clear position, which he had mentioned numerous times that there will be no division: Georgia is a united Country with one Church and one Patriarch.
Professor Zurab Khonelidze presented his new monograph “Georgian Paradigm of Peace” to His All- Holiness Patriarch and talked about it in detail, which aroused a great interest in Patriarch.
Bartholomew I remarked that the very initiative was quite essential and important for today's society. He expressed his desire to get to know the book in detail and to continue further discussions around the mentioned initiative.
At the end of
the meeting, during
the repast, held at the initiative of the patriarch, the
rector thanked the Patriarch of Constantinople for the official invitation and
warm welcome.
A ceremonial event
had also been planned, which will be held in Istanbul on November 23 of the
current year, at which His All- Holiness Bartholomew will be awarded with the
diploma of honorary doctorate of Sokhumi State University.
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