On November 15, 2017, the conference hall of Tbilisi Cortyard Mariott Hotel hosted a conference organized on the occasion of the International Day for Tolerance. The Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan participated in the event. The conference was held through the initiative of Georgia’s State Agency for Religious Issues, established under the Government of Georgia. In attendance were the leaders of religious communities operating in Georgia, civil society representatives, representatives of diplomatic corps accredited in Georgia and state officials.

Zaza Vashakmadze, the Head of the State Agency for Religious Issues, offered opening remarks; afterwards, the State Minister of Georgia for Reconciliation and Civic Equality, Mrs. Ketevan Tsikhelashvili; and the Chair of the Human Rights and Civil Integration Committee, Sofo Kiladze made welcoming remarks.

The welcoming speech of Catholicos Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, was read during the meeting. Report was made by the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan. The Diocesan Primate raised issues facing the religious communities, particularly the faithful of the Armenian Church, greatly appreciating the Georgian authorities for paying particular attention to the issues facing the religious communities.

On November 16, the following day, at the initiative of Georgia’s State Agency for Religious Issues and Georgia’s Jewish community, representatives of the religious communities operating in Georgia visited the David Baazov Museum of History of Jews of Georgia.

The guests closely examined the objects from the museum collection, had the opportunity to get a clear picture of Jewish religious rites and national traditions.

Speeches were made by the representatives of different religious communities, during the meeting. The Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia extended his gratitude to the hospitable Jewish community, and appreciated the initiative of Georgia’s State Agency for Religious Issues.

At the conclusion of the meeting a reception was organized by the Jewish community.

The diocesan officials, within the frames of the International Day for Tolerance, participated in different events organized by state structures and NGO’s.

During events organized on November 15-16, the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia was accompanied by Michael Avagyan, Head of Legal Affairs and Cooperation Department; and assistant to the Primate, Deacon Gevork Antonyan.