On November 5, 2014 the Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church in Georgia, His Grace Archbishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan hosted Georgia’s President’s Advisor for the issues of ethnic minorities, Sofia Shamanidi, in his residence at St. Echmiadzin church.

The head of Samtskhe-Javakhketi and Tsalka prelacy Babgen Salibyan and the Primacy Social Service leader Mikayel Avagyan were attending the meeting.

The Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia greeted the guest and wished a successful census in Georgia. The Holy Father referred to the meeting of the President of Georgia, Giorgi Margvelashvili, with the leaders of religious communities. Once again he underlined the importance of meetings of such a high level, which are of great use to the mission of religious communities.

The Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia and the Advisor of Georgia’s President talked about the questions bothering the Diocese. Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan introduced the number of clergy and churches functioning in Georgia. He also introduced the framework of current mission of churches in the country.

The Holy Father turned to Mrs. Shamanidi to support the clergy in Georgia in solving the problems of housing.

Babgen Vardapet Salbiyan introduced the high ranking guest the problems of the citizens, who have been deprived of Georgian citizenship, because they had another country citizenship as well. These people do not even have an idea what legal problems they may encounter.

The head of Samtskhe-Javakhketi and Tsalka prelacy Babgen Salibyan turned to Mrs. Shamanidi with the request of introducing the question to the President of Georgia, thus, finding an intermediate solution for such citizens. The Holy Father also talked about the free education of Armenians who live in Georgia, but are citizens of another country.

Georgia’s President’s Advisor for the issues of ethnic minorities Sofia Shamanidi attentively listened to the questions raised and promised to study them and provide support to the possible extent.

At the end of the meeting the head of the prelacy vardapet Babgen invited Mrs. Shamanidi to Akhalkalak to the consecration ceremony of a church in Vachian village.