Today, due to the 1025th anniversary of the Baptism of Russia, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II went on a visit to Russia. As it was stated by the head of the foreign department of the Georgian Patriarchate, Metropolitan of Zugdidi and Tsaishi Gerasim Sharashenidze, due to the 1025th anniversary of the Baptism of Russia commemorative events will be held in Moscow, Kiev and Minsk. The Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, together with the members of the delegation, will visit all three cities from 23 to 30 July.

The official delegation of the Georgian Orthodox Church includes: the Manager of Georgian congregation in United States and North America, the Head of the Dioceses of Batumi and Lazeti, Metropolitan Dmitry (Shiolashvili), the Head of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Patriarchate of Georgia, Metropolitan of Zugdidi and Tsaishi Gerasim (Sharashenidze), the Chorbishop of the Catholicos-Patriarch, Metropolitan of Akhaltsikhe and Tao-Klarjeti Theodore (Chuadze), the Rector of the Tbilisi Theological Academy and the Theological Institute, the Archpriest of the Zion Patriarchal Cathedral, Protopresbyter George Zviadadze and Archimandrite David (Chincharauli).

During the visit, Ilia II and members of the delegation will meet: in Moscow – the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, His Holiness Kirill, in Kiev - the Metropolitan of Kiev and All Ukraine Vladimir, in Belarus - with the Metropolitan of Minsk and Slutsk, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus Filaret.

The delegation of the Georgian Orthodox Church under the leadership of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia will return to Tbilisi on July 30.