May 23 - Abkhazia Day Celebrated at Mtatsminda Park
By Natalia Kochiashvili
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili voiced messages of unity to mark Abkhazia Day on May 23 with Georgian citizens, and in particular with ‘Abkhaz brothers and sisters in the occupied region.
Gharibashvili noted the celebratory date as ‘another wonderful tradition’ established with the blessing of the Georgian Orthodox Church Patriarch Ilia II and highlighted the day as one that ‘symbolizes the unity’ of Georgians and Abkhazians.
“Today we are separated by an occupation line, but what unites us is a common history and culture, values and aspirations for a better future for our children, and this gives us faith that tomorrow also belongs to unity, peace, and friendship,” head of the government said.
In the message, the PM also expressed the belief that the day when Georgians and Abkhazians would be able to reunite in the name of the future and build a strong, developed, European country together was not far off.
Various events were organized by the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia in Mtatsminda Park on this day.
An immersive projection of Abkhazian cultural heritage was shown in the space of the Digital Museum, where unique photos of cultural heritage monuments in Abkhazia were presented.
A photo exhibition ‘Shots from Abkhazia’ was held on the territory of the park, which displayed unknown and unique photos from family album of public figures - Ilia Chavchavadze, Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, Nino Ramishvili, Iliko Sukhishvili, Giga Lortkipanidze, Nodar Dumbadze, Medea Japaridze and Rezo Tabukashvili - taken in Abkhazia.
During the event, the works of the calligrapher from Abkhazia were exhibited, as well as the archival and photo material of the National Center of Manuscripts ‘Abkhazia - Manuscript Heritage’. An exhibition sale of products of IDP entrepreneurs from Abkhazia was held in the open space of the park.
The celebration ended with a concert by Guram Kurashvili Abkhazian State Choir, Abkhazian State Academic Song and Dance Ensemble ‘Abkhazia’, and Abkhazian State Song Ensemble ‘Shavnabada’.
May 23, the day of commemoration of the Apostle Svimon Kananeli, was established as the ‘Day of Abkhazia’ with the initiative and prayer-blessing of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II. Since 2014, the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia has been celebrating this every year with various thematic events throughout Georgia.
