On
October 6-8, 2023, an international symposium "Constantinople and Mtskheta
- Church and Cultural Relations" was held in Istanbul under the patronage
of the Ecumenical Patriarch, His Holiness Bartholomew, the honorary doctorate
of Sokhumi State University, and the organization of the Georgian Parish of
Constantinople.
On
October 6, in the Patriarchal Residence of Fanari, the Ecumenical Patriarch
opened an international symposium and blessed the participants of the
scientific forum. He emphasized the centuries-old and close historical
relations between Constantinople and Mtskheta.
The
Rector of Sokhumi State University, Professor Zurab Khonelidze, attended the
event as an honored guest, who welcomed Kovladutsmides Bartholomeos and the
participants of the symposium. He emphasized the great importance of the
leaders of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Orthodox Church of Georgia in
dialogue and relations between churches, as well as in ensuring peace in the
region. The rector highly appreciated
the international symposium as an opportunity for scientific and church
dialogue.
The
opening ceremony was attended by high priests of the Ecumenical Patriarchate,
representatives of the diplomatic corps, invited guests of honor, speakers from
different countries and universities.
At
the symposium, Sokhumi State University was also represented by Doctor of
History, Professor Sergo Vardosanidze, who read the report "Relation
between the Patriarchates of Georgia and Constantinople in 1977-1991".
