site.btaPatriarch Neophyte Meets with Georgian Parliament Chair Irakli Kobakhidze

Sofia, June 18 (BTA) - Bulgarian Patriarch Neophyte conferred Tuesday with Georgian Parliament Chair Irakli Kobakhidze, who is paying an official visit to Bulgaria, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church said.

Kobakhidze noted that Bulgarians and Georgians have very good brotherly relations. He said bilateral meetings aim to deepen them, and also the relations between the governments. "We are very pleased that there is a good relationship between our countries not only in a historical plan but nowadays, too. We are very happy with the good friendship between our churches because it is based on the Orthodox faith. As this common faith determines the identity of both peoples, it is also what brings us closer to each other and creates a good foundation for a strong friendship," the Georgian Parliament Chair said.

Patriarch Neophyte recalled his meeting with Georgian Patriarch Ilia II. "We are very grateful for what he does for the people of Georgia," he noted.

Pilgrimage tourism between the two countries was discussed at the meeting. The two sides discussed also the idea of launching a direct flight to Georgia, which will make travel better and faster.

The meeting was attended by Gerasimos, Bishop of Melnik and Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod, Polycarp, Bishop of Belogradchik and Vicar of Patriarch Neophyte, and Archimandrite Basil, Protosyngellos of Sofia Metropolitanate. MY/TH