An international conference marking 1,700 years since Christianity was proclaimed the state religion of Georgia was held in Tbilisi, bringing together lawmakers, religious leaders, theologians, historians and representatives of civil society from Georgia and other European countries.

The conference, titled “Foundations of European Civilization and 1,700 Years of Christianity in Georgia,” focused on the historical role of Christianity in the development of Georgia and Europe, the preservation of cultural heritage, contemporary values, the institution of the family and demographic challenges, according to the Georgian Parliament.

Georgia’s president and prime minister, as well as Georgian Patriarch Shio III, addressed participants at the event.

In his remarks, Patriarch Shio III said the 1,700th anniversary was not only an opportunity to commemorate a historic event but also to reflect on Georgia’s centuries-long Christian tradition and its influence on the country’s national identity.

He said Christianity had played an important role in the development of Georgian culture, literature, art, education and public thought. According to the patriarch, religious faith also helped Georgians preserve their language, national identity and state traditions over the centuries.

The patriarch also discussed Georgia’s place within European civilization, describing the country as historically situated at the crossroads of different cultures and shaped by interactions with Byzantine, Eastern Christian and European traditions.

Addressing contemporary challenges, Shio III referred to wars, conflicts and social divisions and stressed the importance of values including compassion, responsibility, justice, tolerance and the pursuit of peace.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze likewise spoke about the relationship between European civilization, Christian morality, human dignity and the concept of freedom. He said examining Christianity’s historical legacy was particularly relevant amid contemporary political, ideological, demographic and social challenges.

The conference was organized by the Georgian Parliament under the auspices of the Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy. Participants included parliamentarians from countries represented in the assembly, religious and civil society organizations from Georgia and Europe, clergy, theologians and historians.

The conference concluded with the adoption of the “Tbilisi Declaration.”

The first session, titled “Christian Values in Europe in Times of Crisis: Article 17 of the Lisbon Treaty and the Contribution of Orthodoxy,” examined the relationship between Christian values and parliamentary principles, cooperation between churches and state institutions, and dialogue between parliaments and religious organizations.

A second thematic discussion focused on the institution of the family, traditional values and demographic challenges.