His Holiness and
Beatitude, Ilia II,
Patriarch of Georgia
 

“You should not fear repenting your sins.” Eduard Shevardnadze Sakartvelos Respublika N3, 1994

For a long time, Eduard-Giorgi  had been preparing for it. He had not taken the decision in one day.

The Sisters of Samtavro remember how he used to go to the Monastery when he worked in Mtskheta and help them in every way he could.
Eduard Shevardnadze has always said, “I want it to be a conscious, sincere step prompted by faith in God.”

I believe that serving as the Soviet Foreign Minister played a special role in his life. This was a great responsibility. Those chosen to serve in such positions often happen in a situation where there is no one able to help them but God. He returned from Russia a believer, not hiding the fact. Once in Georgia, he came directly to Sioni - and we had not even made an appointment.

His baptism brought him to a new place. I want to mention one thing that happened recently. During his visit to Greece, he visited Mount Athos and prayed as a pilgrim in that famous cloister. He is one of the few leaders fortunate enough to be able to visit and commune with God in this sacred place. Nothing in this world happens by chance.

What gives a man the strength and the right to undertake work of global significance. Recently, someone said that history itself gives birth to great individuals.
 

There are people endowed by God with one talent, two talents, and others with many.

God is almighty, and wonderful are His deeds. The life of Eduard-Giorgi Shevardnadze is a testimony to God’s greatness, and his task was to serve a great purpose. He has been tried by fire, but the one who gave him this cross to bear will also aid him in carrying it. The link between God and the individual can not be broken. When an individual remains in harmony with God’s will, then his work will be wholesome both to God and men.

Today it is difficult to be in a position of leadership. The President’s patience and creative energy amazes me. Life as observed through the eye of the populace is different from when seen in the halls of power. The people cannot perceive the thought and pain which accompany each step, and what compromises must be made, what things have priority over other. Many things must be viewed in a global context as our small Georgia seeks to restore its integrity - spiritual, territorial and moral - and convince the world that it deserves freedom and that its future will be peaceful and bright.

But let me repeat. The main thing is the synergy between the individual and God’s will so that the choice is the right one. And such a person will always win. I regard Eduard Shevardnadze in light of this synergy.

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