Your Holiness and Beatitude, Your
Excellency, Madam President, Your Excellency, Speaker of the
Parliament, Distinguished Members of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox
Church of Georgia, Distinguished Professors and Teachers and
Distinguished Guests!
It is a great honor for me, as
the Doyen of the diplomatic corps, as an ambassador of the Holy
See, to be present at this event today. As the Ambassador of the
Holy See, I would like to convey to you the greetings of your
brother, His Holiness, Pope Francis of Rome. As Doyen of the
Diplomatic Corps, I would like to convey to you the respect,
friendship and support of the representatives of the Diplomatic
Corps accredited in Georgia.
Your Holiness and Beatitude, I
have not prepared a speech, but allow me to tell you sincerely from
my heart: For a long time I have been following and appreciating
the work you have done which is crucial for the Church and the
people.
When this honorary title will be
awarded to you in this magnificent courtyard of the Patriarchate,
as we are standing next to this ancient olive tree, it is a
recognition of your special merit and respect for your personality.
The olive tree is a symbol of peace and harmony. This is what you
are trying to bring to your nation and the world - peace and
harmony. I wish you God’s help, may God grant you His support in
this service - which is your service for the Georgian nation and
Georgia! Thank you very much!
