“A nation united as one”: ruling party official reflects on Georgia’s unprecedented unity during Patriarch’s farewell

Levan Machavariani, the first deputy chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party faction in the legislative body, on Monday said the dream of the late Patriarch Ilia II was to see a united Georgian nation.

In a social media message, Machavariani noted that in recent days the world had witnessed the extraordinary unity of a nation with a 3,000-year continuous heritage.

He highlighted that through their character, behavior, and thinking, Georgians themselves had embodied the culture and identity of their homeland, adding that “we were all united”.

“The Patriarch’s dream was to see such unity - a Georgian nation brought together as one - and it is thanks to him that we were able to achieve this”, Machavariani said.

He emphasised that in recent days, all resentment, envy, and anger had disappeared among people, and it is a source of pride that society collectively paid a tribute to the Patriarch.

Machavariani stressed that now the Georgian nation had its greatest supporter in heaven and, in his words, “for his sake, we are obliged to love, respect, and support one another, and not to depart from this state of love”.

He further noted that during the mourning period, social status, profession, and differing opinions became irrelevant, as everyone stood united with a shared goal - to bid a dignified farewell to the Patriarch.

“In place of greetings, we offered condolences to one another. People helped each other in every possible way. Even something as simple as standing in line - which we are not known for - became exemplary. Citizens living near the Holy Trinity Cathedral served others with water, tea, and coffee, not for recognition, but as an expression of love”, he wrote.

Machavariani further pointed out that people of all ages, including those using crutches, traveled long distances to attend, while police officers managing the flow treated citizens with warmth and respect.

“It is a matter of pride that we all together bid farewell to His Holiness and Beatitude with such dignity. Our unity, solidarity, and love bring the greatest joy to our spiritual father in heaven. In recent days, we truly became the Georgia and the Georgian people the Patriarch had long envisioned”, he stated.

The official concluded by noting that the Patriarch would continue to bless and strengthen the nation from above, adding that Georgians must strive daily to become better, as he taught - by seeking faults within themselves.

“No one and nothing can overcome the Georgia and the Georgian people we saw in recent days. It turns out how deeply we loved you, Patriarch. Farewell, and thank you for everything. God, Homeland, Humanity”, Machavariani said.