Head of the Georgian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Ilia II, addressed crowd gathered in downtown Tbilisi for an outdoor concern celebrating signing of the Association Agreement with the EU on June 27.

“Today is a happy day,” Patriarch Ilia II said in his brief address from the stage on Europe Square. “The entire Georgia, all Georgians and residents of Georgia are celebrating this day. We are getting closer to the European culture as never before.”

“But we should remember that this is not only a huge honor for Georgia, but also a huge responsibility. Georgia should show Europe and the entire world our ancient culture, our [religious] hymns, our past, our values. God bless every person who has worked for this happy day,” he added.