Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II received Anita Abgaryan, Georgia’s representative for Junior Eurovision 2025, and blessed her ahead of the upcoming performance, the Patriarchate’s press service reported on 8 December. He also extended his blessing to all children taking part in this year’s contest.

The meeting took place just days before the final show, scheduled for 13 December in Tbilisi. This year marks the second time Georgia is hosting Junior Eurovision, having first welcomed the event in 2017. Representatives from 18 countries will compete in the 2025 final. Abgaryan earned her place after winning the national music project Ranina.

Minister of Culture Tinatin Rukhadze said preparations for the contest have entered their final stage, involving state agencies, broadcasters, and security services. She expressed hope that hosting the event will give Georgia an opportunity to showcase its cultural heritage to the world.

“I believe that God will bless Georgia and these young people, and that we will be able to welcome all our guests with dignity,” Rukhadze said.

Tinatin Berdzenishvili, Director General of Georgia’s First Channel, noted that delegations have already praised the venue and organization. “It is rare for all 18 countries to be unanimously satisfied with the technical and visual preparation,” she said.

Georgia holds the record for most Junior Eurovision victories, having won four times since 2007—more than any other participating nation.

Photo: Frame from Anita Abgaryan’s Junior Eurovision music video (Junior Eurovision Song Contest).