Patriarch Ilia II raises possibility of restoring Georgian monarchy

Moscow, June 19, 2017

Photo: Patriarchate.ge

His Holiness took the initiative on Sunday during the Divine Liturgy, stating in his homily that “Georgia has a monarchical tradition. A constitutional monarchy would bring peace to the country.” He added, however, that such a decision could not be made soon.

In his homily delivered at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi, the primate also stated, “Perhaps we should think about who we were in the past, who we are today and who we want to be. We must remember that Georgia has a monarchical tradition that draws its origins from the Hellenistic period,” reports Romfea. “We have to look at our past, our present and our future,” the patriarch underlined.

“The parliamentary chairman and Mrs. Eka familiarized the patriarch with certain constitutional amendments. In particular, the conversation touched upon the idea of a constitutional monarchy… It was not a detailed review—the meeting only lasted twenty minutes,” the patriarchal speaker Mikhail Botkoveli told journalists, adding that Kobakhidze and Beselia announced their intentions to bring the issue of a constitutional monarchy to the general public.

“The patriarch’s position was that he looks upon the subject of a constitutional monarchy with hope, and believes it will introduce a special role into the history of the state, if, of course, the idea proves acceptable to society,” said Botkoveli.

The patriarch’s attitude towards restoring the country’s monarchy was welcomed by the ruling “Georgian Dream” party, according to party chairman Mamuka Mdinaradze, as micetimes.asia reports.

“The restoration of the constitutional monarchy, perhaps, would give the country a certain feature of individualism and charm from many points of view,” said Mdinaradze, commenting on the patriarch’s Sunday homily. “The patriarch’s position always deserves great respect,” he added, noting that it’s too early to talk of such a revival, but perhaps the country could be ready for it in 10-20 years.