„The Role of the Georgian Orthodox Church in the Processes of the National Movement and Religious Tolerance (1988-1992)”

Abstract

Georgia is one of the most diverse regions in the Caucasus in terms of ethnic, linguistic, and religious composition. For
centuries, the coexistence of various ethno-cultural groups within the territory of this small country contributed to the
establishment of peaceful relations. The existence of such systems was particularly important for reconciling the values, interests,
and needs of different religious denominations and for reducing the risk of conflict. For many centuries, the coexistence of
different religions in Georgia has been an important part of the country’s cultural history. Particularly noteworthy is the fact
that, in Tbilisi, an Orthodox church, an Armenian church, a synagogue, and a mosque functioned in close proximity to one
another for centuries, becoming a symbol of religious diversity. During the Soviet period, Georgia stood out among the republics
of the Soviet Union for its multinational character. After gaining independence, significant changes occurred in the country’s
ethno-demographic structure; however, representatives of more than 120 ethnic groups still live in Georgia today. In the Soviet
Union, the confessional composition of the population was not officially recorded. In a country governed by militant atheism,
all religions were considered “outside the law,” subject to public condemnation, and treated as remnants of the past. As a result,
no official statistics regarding religious affiliation existed. The confessional structure of Georgia’s population was first officially
identified in 2002. According to the census, 88.6% of the total population identified as Christian, 9.9% as Muslim, 0.1% as Jewish,
0.8% as belonging to other religions, while 0.6% did not identify with any religion. Thus, Georgia is a multiethnic and
multiconfessional country, where the coexistence of representatives of different religions and cultures has created an important
historical tradition of tolerance and mutual respect. This diversity still constitutes an essential foundation of Georgia’s cultural
identity, social stability, and civic coexistence today.