The Patriarch of Georgia Ilia the Second has departed for Moscow. Chairperson of the foreign department of the Patriarchate, Zugdidi and Tsaishi metropolitan Gerasime Sharshenidze, Patriarchs’ archbishop Teodore Chuadze, Batumi and Lazeti Metropolitan Dimitry Shiolashvili, presbyter George Zviadadze, archimandrite Davit Chincharauli, Demetre Davitashvili, doctor of historical sciences Zaza Abashidze, Prime Minister’s special representative for the relations with Russian Federation are also in the delegation with the patriarch.

Ilia the Second was invited by the Russian patriarch Kirill. His beatitude Ilia the Second will meet with high rank officials and spirituals, on 23 January he will meet the President of Russia Vladimir Putin.

As journalists were told by Presbyter George Zviadadze at the airport, the visit aims at awarding the Patriarchate of Georgia, with the prize for his outstanding efforts to strengthen the unity of Orthodox people, establishing and promotion of Christian values in society. The award ceremony is due to be held on 21 January. The same day a meeting with the Patriarch of Russia Kirill is planned at the Russian patriarch’s residence. On 22 January, the patriarchs and Holy Synod members will deliver a divine service at the Kremlin Virgin Mary temple.

George Zviadadze said that on 23 January, at 15:00, a meeting with the President of Russia Vladimir Putin will be held.

The General Manager of the Patriarch’s International Foundation Lasha Zhvania says that the issue to transfer two Georgian kings Vakhtang the VI and Teimuraz the I to Georgia will be discussed at the meetings in Moscow.

The Patriarch will return to Georgia on 26 January.