On December 6, 2016, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received Metropolitan Nikoloz Pachuashvili of Akhalkalaki and Kumurdo Diocese (Georgian Orthodox Church). He was accompanied by Very Rev. Fr. Babken Salbiyan, the Prelate of Samtskhe-Javakheti and Tsalka's General Prelacy of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia.

His Holiness welcomed Metropolitan Nikoloz in the Armenian spiritual center, and remembered with warmth his visit to Akhalkalaki. His Holiness referred to the dedicated work of Metropolitan Nikoloz and confirmed that during His Pontifical visit he became witness to the warm relationship and close cooperation that exist between Armenian and Georgian communities and the structures of the two churches, stressing the important role of Metropolitan Nikoloz.

Metropolitan Nikoloz expressed gratitude to His Holiness for the invitation to the Mother See, expressing joy for the opportunity to visit Armenia. During the meeting, they discussed challenges facing the two Churches and ways to overcome them, reference was made to religious-educational activities of the churches, particularly preparing the next generation of clergy and pastoral service.

Metropolitan of Akhalkalaki and Kumurdo Diocese, bearing in mind that the two nations are united by common history and similar traditions, stressed the importance of strong ties and communication.

In his remarks, Metropolitan Nikoloz highlighted that he performs his service in Akhalkalaki, where of the total population around 97% are ethnically Armenians. Over the years he has had an opportunity to become acquainted with local Armenian traditions. Metropolitan noted that the Armenian Church is well-represented in Georgia; however, the same is not true for the Georgian Orthodox Church in Armenia. The purpose of his visit was to become acquainted with the culture, traditions and lifestyle of the neighboring country. Many years ago, Metropolitan Nikoloz had been invited by Catholicos of All Armenians, during His Pontifical visit to Akhalkalaki, to visit Armenia, and gladly accepted his invitation.

During the meeting, they reflected on close friendly relations between Metropolitan Nikoloz and the clergy of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia. They emphasized the commonality, traditions and historical ties between the two nations. They reminisced about an exhibition entitled the “ARTISTS OF SAINT ETCHMIADZIN IN TBILISI” dedicated to the Tbilisi City Festival – Tbilisoba that had opened in the Calouste Gulbenkian Hall of the “Hayartun” Center. At the invitation of Metropolitan Nikoloz, the same artworks were exhibited in Akhalkalaki. Thus the two cities – Akhalkalaki and Etchmiadzin - have established friendly relations. Within the framework of the Golden Apricot Film Festival, which took place in Akhalkalaki, the screening of Armenian-Georgian films had been held. They highlighted the importance to continue cultural collaboration. During their discussion, reference was made to organizing pilgrimages, meetings with Armenian community, participation in national holidays and other events.

At the conclusion, His Holiness expressed appreciation to Metropolitan Nikoloz for the warm attitude shown towards the Armenian Church and Armenians of Samtskhe-Javakheti region, wishing him God’s support in the execution of his high mission. The meeting was attended by His Eminence Archbishop Nathan Hovhannisyan, Director of the External Relations and Protocol Department of Mother See.

During his visit to the Armenian spiritual center, Metropolitan Nikoloz toured Matenadaran (The Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts) and museums, met with the Mayor of Etchmiadzin and the local artists.