On Sunday, July 13, 2025, the Sunday of the Holy and God-bearing Fathers of the Fourth Ecumenical Council held in Chalcedon, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Church of St George at the Gate of Adrianople (Edirnekapi), where, for the past five years, the sacred services have been celebrated in the Georgian language, serving the Georgian-speaking community of the city.

In attendance were His Eminence Metropolitan Joachim of Bursa, Hon. Mr Aleksandre Jishkariani, Consul General of Georgia in Istanbul, and a large congregation of faithful from the Georgian-speaking Community.

Following the Divine Liturgy, His All-Holiness addressed the faithful, once again highlighting the affectionate and tireless concern of the Mother Church for all her flock—and especially for her immediate flock in the city. As he stated, in “a gesture of pastoral care and solidarity,” he had blessed the establishment of a Georgian-speaking Community in the city, which, in the five years since, has developed a variety of spiritual activities to support and strengthen the faithful. His All-Holiness acknowledged the contribution of both clergy and laity who labour for the growth of the Community, making special mention of the parish priest, the Very Reverend Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne, Father Ilia Jinjolava.

“His pastoral efforts have helped this Community to grow in an orderly manner, with confidence, devotion, and in a spirit of brotherhood. We express our appreciation for his ongoing ministry,” said the Patriarch.

He then went on to say:

“The fruits of this collective work are clearly visible. You have established a flourishing Catechetical School, published liturgical texts in the Georgian language, and hosted theological and cultural events which underscore the enduring bond between the Churches of Constantinople and Georgia—between the Queen of Cities and the ancient capital of Mtskheta.

Equally moving is the testimony of your ministry: offering care to Georgian pilgrims, providing spiritual support to the sick, and celebrating both the feasts of the Church and the milestones of your homeland’s national identity. Your Community has become a spiritual home not only for Georgian faithful residing in this city, but also for those living in other cities of this country, including Ankara, İzmir, Bursa, and Trabzon.”

His All-Holiness expressed his gratitude to the clergy and the faithful who care with great love for this historic Church, whose restoration and renovation, as he recalled, was made possible through the kind assistance of the competent state authorities. In offering his paternal exhortation to the congregation, the Patriarch concluded:

“Remain steadfast in the Orthodox faith. Safeguard the unity and peace of the Church. Let your every effort be for the glory of God and for the edification of His people. May you continue to serve as a radiant witness to our apostolic tradition and to the rich heritage of Georgian Orthodoxy within the embrace of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.”

At midday, His All-Holiness offered his blessing at the luncheon hosted in the Community Hall.