Patriarch Filaret and Michael Saakashvili awarded soldiers of Georgian Legion
On February 8, His Holiness Patriarch Filaret together with former Georgian President Michael Saakashvili awarded fighters and volunteers of Georgian Legion, who shed their blood for Ukraine. 29 Georgian volunteers received from patriarch’s handsthe medal featuring “For love and sacrifice for Ukraine,” which were conferred on the most active volunteers and soldiers.
“Now we are all asking a question – is it right to fight with weapons? Are we fighting for a good cause? No doubt, we are. Because we protect our land and family the Georgian army gives us special supportnow. Together we are fighting against the external aggressor– Russia, whose involvement has long been acknowledged by the international community,” said Patriarch Filaret.
The organizers of award were the Synodal Department of Social Service and the Department for External Church Relations of the Kyiv Patriarchate. Besides, Georgian soldiers have long been involved in the ATO, fighting against the external aggressor. Some of them were awarded medals posthumously, their relatives and friends arrived in Kyiv and accepted award. In addition, each soldier received gifts from the volunteer organization “People's home front.”
Commander of Georgian Legion in Ukraine, chairman of the Foundation of war and veterans of the war in Abkhazia Mamuka Mamulashvili stresses that every soldier from Georgia believes it a matter of principle to support Ukraine in this fierce fight as Ukrainian volunteers have done it once. All the awardees along with volunteers added that they would continue to support Ukraine in every way to help their brothers.
Soon, the National Museum of Military History located next to the house of officers will open the exposition dedicated to Georgian Legion. In particular,the museum will be presented with a banner signed by fighters and blessed by the patriarch. So, the participation of Georgian soldiers in the ATO will be alsoentered on the record of Ukrainian heritage.
