The Georgian Orthodox Church restores its autocephaly abolished by Imperial Russia in 1811.

The Apostolic Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Georgia, known more simply as the Georgian Orthodox Church or the Orthodox Church of Georgia, stands as a cornerstone of Georgian identity and faith. In its native Georgian, it is called საქართველოს სამოციქულო ავტოკეფალური მართლმადიდებელი ეკლესია (romanized: sakartvelos samotsikulo avt'ok'epaluri martlmadidebeli ek'lesia). This ancient institution is an autocephalous Eastern Orthodox church, meaning it is "self-headed" and does not report to a higher-ranking bishop, while remaining in full communion with other churches of Eastern Orthodoxy. It holds a unique and revered position as Georgia's dominant religious body, with the vast majority of the Georgian populace identifying as its members.

A Deeply Rooted History: Apostolic Foundations

The Georgian Orthodox Church boasts a heritage stretching back to the earliest days of Christianity, making it one of the oldest churches in the world. Its origins are asserted to be apostolic, tracing its historical roots to the Christianization of the ancient Georgian kingdoms of Iberia and Colchis. Tradition credits Saint Andrew with the initial evangelization in the 1st century AD, followed significantly by Saint Nino in the 4th century AD, whose tireless efforts led to the widespread adoption of Christianity within the region. This dual foundation underscores the church's profound historical and spiritual significance to the Georgian people.

Governance and Enduring Leadership

Like other autocephalous Orthodox Christian churches, the Georgian Orthodox Church is governed by its highest administrative body: the Holy Synod of Bishops. This synod oversees the ecclesiastical affairs and doctrinal integrity of the church. The spiritual and administrative head of the entire church is the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. Since his election in 1977, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II has served in this esteemed role, providing decades of leadership and guidance through various periods of Georgia's modern history.

A Pivotal Role in Georgian Society and State Relations

For much of Georgia's long and often tumultuous history, Eastern Orthodox Christianity served as the state religion, deeply intertwining the church with the nation's identity and governance. This status persisted until 1921, when the country was conquered by the Russian Red Army during the Russian-Georgian War and subsequently absorbed into the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, leading to a period of state atheism and religious persecution. Today, while no longer a state religion, the current Constitution of Georgia explicitly recognizes the distinct and special role the Georgian Orthodox Church has played in the country's history. Importantly, it also unequivocally stipulates the church's independence from the state. Further detailing and regulating the relationship between the government and the church is the Concordat of 2002, a landmark agreement solidifying their respective spheres.

The influence of the Georgian Orthodox Church in contemporary Georgian society cannot be overstated. It remains the most trusted institution in Georgia, a fact strikingly demonstrated by a 2013 survey where an overwhelming 95% of respondents expressed a favorable opinion of its work. Its moral authority and historical significance contribute to its high influence in the public sphere, making it arguably Georgia's single most influential institution.

Understanding Autocephaly

The term autocephaly (from Greek: αὐτοκεφαλία, meaning "property of being self-headed") denotes the status of a hierarchical Christian church whose head bishop does not report to any higher-ranking bishop. This status is predominantly used within Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches, signifying their independence in matters of internal governance, though they maintain doctrinal unity and full communion with other autocephalous churches. This concept is sometimes likened to the status of provinces or constituent churches within the Anglican Communion, though the specific theological and canonical implications differ.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Georgian Orthodox Church

What is the Georgian Orthodox Church?
The Georgian Orthodox Church, officially the Apostolic Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Georgia, is an ancient Eastern Orthodox Christian church that is fully self-governing (autocephalous) and in full communion with other Eastern Orthodox churches. It is the dominant religious institution in Georgia.
When was the Georgian Orthodox Church founded?
The church asserts an apostolic foundation, with its roots tracing back to the Christianization efforts of Saint Andrew in the 1st century AD and Saint Nino in the 4th century AD in the ancient Georgian regions of Iberia and Colchis.
Who leads the Georgian Orthodox Church?
The church is headed by the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. Currently, this esteemed position is held by Ilia II, who was elected in 1977.
What is the significance of "autocephaly"?
Autocephaly means "self-headed" and signifies that the church's head bishop does not report to any higher-ranking bishop in another jurisdiction. This grants the Georgian Orthodox Church administrative independence while maintaining theological unity with the broader Eastern Orthodox communion.
What is the relationship between the Georgian Orthodox Church and the Georgian state?
Historically, Eastern Orthodox Christianity was the state religion until 1921. Today, the Constitution recognizes the church's special historical role but also stipulates its independence from the state. This relationship is further regulated by the Concordat of 2002.
How influential is the Georgian Orthodox Church in Georgia?
It is highly influential and widely considered Georgia's most trusted institution. A 2013 survey indicated that 95% of respondents held a favorable opinion of its work, underscoring its significant presence in the public sphere.