Secularism in Georgia (country)
Secularism in Georgia was most popular in the 20th century when the country was part of the Soviet Union. In the 21st century, secular and non-religious currents have seen a precipitous decline due to the rising number of people practicing the Georgian Orthodox Church. Article 9 of the current Constitution of Georgia provides for complete freedom of belief and religion. It also recognizes the "special role ... in the history of Georgia" of the Georgian Orthodox Church, but stipulates that the GOC shall be independent of the state. A special Concordat between the Georgian state and the GOC was ratified in 2002, giving the GOC a special legal status and rights not given to other religious groups—including legal immunity for the Georgian Orthodox Patriarch, exemption from military service for GOC clergy, and a consultative role in education and other aspects of the government.
The Tbilisi Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Cathedral was demolished in 1930 to make way for the House of Government of the Georgian SSR.
Religion in Georgia (country)
Christianity is the predominant religion in Georgia. The wide variety of peoples inhabiting Georgia has meant a correspondingly rich array of active religions in the country.
Eastern Orthodox Christianity is the main religion in Georgia. Here, the icon by Mikhail Sabinin depicts the history of the Georgian Orthodox Church, which, to this day, is recognized as the country's majority religion.
A page from a rare Georgian bible, dating from AD 1030, depicting the Raising of Lazarus
Mosque in Tbilisi
Botanical Street and Sunnite Mosque, Tbilisi. Middle of 1880