Irakli Gharibashvili: After almost 400 years of separation, the holy relics of our great queen, Saint Ketevan, have been returned to our homeland

I would like to once again express my gratitude to the Prime Minister of India for this unprecedented decision; Today is a historic day for our country and our people, for every believer; After almost 400 years of separation, the holy relics of our great queen, Saint Ketevan, have been returned to our homeland, - Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Gharibashvili said at the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

The Head of Government thanked the Government and people of India on behalf of the Government of Georgia and the Georgian people.

"The torture of Queen Ketevan was followed by the awakening of our country and the unprecedented rise of national consciousness. Her heroic life, devotion to faith and homeland are exemplary even today and will always remain so. Fragments of sacred relics found during excavations in the ruins of the St. Augustine Monastery complex in Goa have been transferred to Georgia as a permanent possession by the decision of the Head of Government of the Republic of India. Once again I warmly welcome and thank the Government of India and the Indian people. This is the best precondition for deepening relations between our countries. Congratulations on this important event to our entire community," the Prime Minister said.