The Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude  Ilia II expressed his hope that Georgia will be able to restore Georgian churches in Turkey.

His Holiness made this statement at the meeting with representatives of various embassies. He said that the Georgian Orthodox Church was concerned about the state of Georgian churches in Turkey, as they are at the edge of ruining. The patriarch believes that the Georgian side should be given the opportunity to arrive in Turkey, and Georgian churches should be restored.

The meeting was dedicated to the 95^th anniversary of the restoration of the autocephaly of the Georgian Orthodox Church. The US ambassador along with his wife and representatives of other embassies, as well as representatives of various confessions attended the meeting.

His Holiness thanked the guests and talked about the importance of restoration of the autocephaly of the Georgian Orthodox Church. He recalled the important historical dates of the Georgian Orthodox Church.

“In 1917 the church council gathered and declared that the autocephaly was restored. With the God's grace and blessing we are continuing the traditions, which is foundation of the Church”, - His Holiness announced at the meeting.

The Patriarch also said it was pity that some people spread information abroad saying that the Georgian Orthodox Church does not allow religious minorities in Georgia to express their religious beliefs. His Holiness stated that in Georgia everyone had opportunity to express their religious feelings.