Georgia Marks 1,700 Years Since Christianity Became the State Religion

Commemorations in Georgia marked 1,700 years since Christianity was proclaimed the country’s state religion. Bishop Vasily took part on October 14, 2026, representing Metropolitan Tikhon of the Orthodox Church in America. The principal celebration was held at Svetitskhoveli Patriarchal Cathedral in Mtskheta.

For readers unfamiliar with the phrase “state religion,” it refers here to Christianity’s official designation in Georgia. The 1,700-year figure marks the anniversary of that proclamation, not the duration of the commemorations. The date identifies when the event took place, while Mtskheta and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral identify the setting for its principal celebration. Bishop Vasily’s participation was in a representative capacity: he attended on behalf of Metropolitan Tikhon. These details distinguish the anniversary being commemorated from the date and venue of the gathering. They also identify the connection between the event in Georgia and the representative of the Orthodox Church in America who attended. The central focus of the observance was the anniversary of Christianity’s proclamation as Georgia’s state religion.