Festivities dedicated to the 1000th anniversary of the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral ended with a concert in the ancient city of Mtskheta on October 14 - the day of the city and the cathedral too.
Georgian Catholicos Patriarch Ilia II received guests in the Mtskheta residence - the members of the orthodox delegations from foreign countries, politicians and public figures were invited to the reception.
His Holiness spoke about the significance of Svetitskhoveli in the history of Georgian Orthodox Confession and called upon Georgian immigrants to return to homeland soon. Patriarch was presented by the guests with various gifts at the end of the reception.
The chairperson of the Russian Patriarchate`s foreign department, Metropolitan Ilarion read a letter of congratulation sent by the Russian patriarch to His Holiness in Georgian.
The festivities were ended with an impressive concert on the central square of the city. Sofie Nizharadze sang Ave Maria with the National Symphonic Orchestra. His Holiness, Georgian president, guests from foreign orthodox churches, Georgian authorities and lawmakers attended the concert.
