U.S. Vice President Vance Speaks Warmly of Georgia and Patr. Ilia II
Vice President JD Vance offered notably warm remarks about Georgia’s Christian identity and Patr. Ilia, President Kavelashvili said, underscoring U.S. respect for the country’s spiritual heritage.
MILAN, ITALY — During an official reception hosted by the President of the Olympic Committee on February 6, Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili spoke publicly about his recent meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlighting their warm references to Georgia and to the Patriarch of Georgia.
President Kavelashvili said he was positively surprised by how well informed the U.S. Vice President was about Georgia’s Christian identity and traditions. According to the Georgian leader, Vice President Vance spoke warmly of the country and explicitly mentioned the Patriarch of Georgia, acknowledging Georgia’s deep Christian roots and commitment to traditional values.
“He made a very warm reference to our country and I was amazed at how well-informed the Vice President of the United States was that we are a Christian country, following our traditions, and even what he knew about the Patriarch,” said the President of Georgia.
The discussion also touched on family and faith-based observances. Pres. Kavelashvili noted that when he mentioned Georgia’s May 17 Day of Family Purity—established a decade ago at the Patriarch’s initiative—the Vice President responded with genuine interest. The Georgian president added that upcoming commemorations of 1,700 years of Christianity were also received with appreciation.
Previously, the UOJ reported that the Georgian president honored Patr. Ilia II on his 93rd birthday.
