King Tamar Icon Brought to Tbilisi

King Tamar icon is brought to Tbilisi from France. The Metropolitan of Western Europe Abraham and City Assembly First Vice-Chairman Mamuka Akhvlediani welcomed the icon at Tbilisi International Airport. "According to His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II Catholicos Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta and Tbilisi, Metopolit of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia's benediction this icon has visited Western Europe's Georgian Eparchy's. Today we shall convey it to Tbilisi Sioni Cathedral. On Sunday, January 16, after divine service the icon shall be handed over to His Holiness and it will take up its residence in Tbilisi Holy Trinity Cathedral" stated Europe Metropolitan Abraham. "One more holiness has arrived in Georgia. King Tamar Icon was painted at Holy Mount Athos and is considered to be protector of Georgians living abroad. It will care for Georgians living abroad and will help them to return to their fatherland" emphasized Mamuka Akhvlediani.By donating offertory, Parish of each Georgian church located in Western Europe participated in creation of this icon. Monk Paisi painted the Holy King Tamar in the cell of Protaton Church in Karyes, where the revelation of the Archangel Gabriel took place.In accordance with Metropolitan of Western Europe Abraham's benediction, before arriving in Gerogia the icon has traveled throughout West European Diocese and stayed for a week in each church. Whereas to icon's latest residence, it has spent it last week in Europe St. King Tamar's Cathedral of Paris that opened on May 15, 2010. According to His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II Catholicos Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta and Tbilisi, Metopolit of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia's benediction, upon arrival the icon was placed in Tbilisi Sioni Cathedral, whereas on Sunday it will take up its residence in Tbilisi Holy Trinity Cathedral.