Statement of the Patriarchate of Georgia

On June 20, in the Patriarchate of Georgia was held the meeting of the representatives of the National Agency for the Protection of Cultural Heritage and the Scientific Council on Architecture, Art and Restoration of the Patriarchate of Georgia, which addressed issues relating to Bagrati Cathedral.

It was noted that the restoration of the cathedral has a special meaning for both the church and the state, since the cathedral is a symbol of the United Georgia. The representatives of the Patriarch's Council again recorded their position on the need for the suspension of the restoration work in the western part of the cathedral, which is also observed in the order of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia and does not include the suspension of work in other parts of the cathedral.

The Council also raised the question of dismantling of the metal structures in the western part of the cathedral and the continuation of the restoration work according to project agreed beforehand. Representatives of the National Agency have asked for the delay to represent the position agreed with the Ministry of Culture and Protection of Georgia.

In the nearest future the public will receive information about the next meeting on this issue.

June 20, 2012.