His Holiness, Catholicos-Patriach Ilia II and His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon concelebrated the Divine Liturgy on the Sunday of the Myrhhbearing Women and the Feast of Saint Tamara, Queen of Georgia, in Tbilisi’s Cathedral of the All Holy Trinity on Sunday, April 26, 2015. Metropolitan Tikhon was accompanied by Archpriest John Jillions, OCA Chancellor, and Roman Ostash, Aide.
“It was the 40th day of the repose of Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko, and it was moving to hear his name lifted up in prayer during the Liturgy,” said Father John. “At the conclusion of the Liturgy, Metropolitan Tikhon spoke of his gratitude for the many centuries of martyric witness of the Georgian Church and the warm support the Georgian Church has always offered the Orthodox Church in America.”
Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia greeted Metropolitan Tikhon and presented him with an icon of the Iveron [Georgian] Mother of God. Metropolitan Tikhon presented Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia several gifts, including a watercolor painting of historic Archangel Michael Cathedral in Sitka, AK. Alaska.
Later in the day, Metropolitan Tikhon and his entourage visited the Samtavro Transfiguration Church, the foundations of which date to the fourth century. At the women’s Monastery of Saint Nino in Mtskheta, Georgia’s ancient capital, they venerated the relics of the recently glorified Georgian monk and “Fool for Christ,” Saint Gabriel [1929-1995], who is widely venerated. Saint Gabriel suffered terribly during the Soviet persecution of the Church and is especially known for his teaching on love.
“Love transcends all rules and laws,” according to Saint Gabriel. “Love everyone; if you can’t, at least show good will. How to love the evil man? Hate the evil, but love those who do evil. Who knows maybe one day they will repent of their sins by the powers of prayer, tears and confession and become like an angel…. In the End Times a man will be saved by love, humility and kindness. Kindness will open the gates of Heaven; humility will lead into Heaven; a man, whose heart is filled with love, will see God.”
On Sunday evening, Patriarch-Catholicos Ilia hosted a concert and dinner at the Patriarchate, at which US Ambassador Richard Norland and his wife were present, together with the ambassadors of Romania, Ukraine, Latvia and Lithuania. There were about 100 guests representing all sectors of Georgian society—bishops, clergy, politicians, artists, musicians, scientists, academics. This kind of gathering has been a regular feature of His Holiness’ nearly 40 years as Primate of the Georgian Church. In his remarks, Patriarch Ilia said, “In today’s society the Church cannot afford to be a bystander. The Church must take an active role in the social, cultural, intellectual and moral life of society.” He emphasized that the Church has the responsibility of bringing the light of Christ to illumine all aspects of human life. Ambassador Norland said the US has had a strong relationship with Georgia in many spheres, adding that the visit of Metropolitan Tikhon represents an important spiritual connection. He also has had a close bond with Patriarch Ilia and said, “He is an example of being engaged and doing the best thing for his country.” Metropolitan Tikhon thanked His Holiness for inviting him to Georgia and for his support of the OCA for decades. “It is humbling to come to an ancient country in which the culture is influenced by the holiness of the Church,” Metropolitan Tikhon remarked with regard to the diverse gathering of people at the concert and dinner.
Extremely helpful as guides and translators during the visit to Georgia were Archpriests Giorgi Zviadadze, Chancellor and Dean of the Tbilisi Theological School; David Sharashenidze, Press Secretary; and Michael Popkhadze, Dean of Kashveti Saint Giorgi Cathedral, who lived in Washington, DC for many years.
Metropolitan Tikhon and the OCA delegation are slated to return to the US on Tuesday, April 28.
