Georgia, Tbilisi, 10 March / Trend corr N. Kirtskhalia/ "I want to beg everybody's pardon, as well as of the members of my Government, the opposition, as the opportunity of being forgiven is the greatest thing the God gave to a Christian," Georgian President Mikeil Saakashvili said at the opening ceremony of the week of forgiveness at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi on 9 March.
"I would like to ask the pardon both of those who have been with me all this time and those who do not agree with us, because for a Christian it is the most important duty to forgive, to be forgiven and to seek forgiveness," the President said.
"Only in this case a nation, country, church or a simple city can unite so that nothing will be able to pose a threat for the country, so that Georgia will be able to restore its territorial integrity," he said.
The opening ceremony was led by Illia II, the Catholic-Patriarch of All Georgia and the spiritual leader of the Georgian Orthodox Church.
"It is difficult to forgive someone who offended and abused you, but he should be pardoned and should have the opportunity to forgive. That is a duty of a Christian," the Patriarch said. He also asked pardon of the people and the State.
A large number of the Tbilisi residents and guests were in attendance.