Service Held at GTU on the Occasion of the Autocephaly Restoration, and a Funeral in the Patriarch’s Memory

The historical role of the recently deceased Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi, Metropolitan of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, in the Autocephaly Restoration of the Georgian Church and its international recognition is immeasurable. His authority, diplomatic acumen, firm ecclesiastical position, and international authority proved decisive in the process of fair recognition of autocephaly and the struggle for Georgia’s independence. Ilia II was able to consolidate the internal unity and unity of the country’s Orthodox Church, which was a necessary prerequisite for achieving this most important goal. The Church, strengthened by the Patriarch’s prayers and blessings, played an important role in strengthening the moral foundations of society, in supporting education and culture, which ultimately reflected on the spiritual and intellectual development of the country”, said Academician David Gurgenidze, Rector of the Georgian Technical University, on the occasion of the Autocephaly Day Restoration.

In the St. George Chapel of the Georgian Technical University, a thanksgiving service dedicated to the Autocephaly Day Restoration was held, and a funeral service for the memory of the Patriarch was held by GTU professor, Deacon Mikael (Macharadze). The service was attended by university professors, students, administration representatives, and employees.

As the dean noted, the Georgian Technical University has always been and remains one of the centers of spiritual and moral education. According to Father Mikael, the university plays a significant role in deepening historical awareness among the youth, as well as strengthening respect for Orthodox culture and traditions.

“Orthodox education has always been based on the holistic development of a person, not only through intellectual, but also through moral and spiritual perfection. Even in the modern education system, the values introduced by the Church – equality between people, responsibility, respect, solidarity, the search for truth – remain the most important pillar. In this regard, the role of Orthodoxy in education can be assessed as fundamental – it creates a framework of values, without which knowledge loses its humane purpose. For me, as a professor at the Georgian Technical University, the approaches of the rector and the university administration are important. I would like to express my gratitude to the rector, Academician David Gurgenidze, on whose initiative the University’s Theological Educational and Scientific Center, which was founded 24 years ago with the blessing of His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, was named after him today,” noted Deacon Mikaely.

The rector of the Georgian Technical University congratulated the Orthodox Church and the parish on the day of the Autocephaly Restoration. As academician David Gurgenidze notes, the goal of the university is to educate generations who will be both highly qualified specialists and worthy citizens who carry spiritual values.

“On this important day, we remember with special honor and gratitude the recently departed Patriarch of Georgia, Ilia II, whose contribution to the Georgian Church and society is immeasurable. His attitude towards education was distinguished by special depth and foresight. He constantly demonstrated the inseparable connection between education and spirituality; he believed that knowledge should serve the spiritual upliftment of man and the well-being of society. At the Georgian Technical University, several educational projects were implemented with the initiative and support of the Patriarch. Once again, I congratulate you on the Day of Autocephaly Restoration! I wish the Georgian Orthodox Church, our country, and each citizen peace, unity, spiritual strength, and victory”, said Rector David Gurgenidze.