116 years have passed since the killing of the great Georgian author and statesmen, main creator of modern Georgia, Ilia Chavchavadze, writes the Prime Minister of Georgia.

“Vazha Pshavela wrote the following on the tragic day: “If killers of Ilia could, they would definitely kill Georgia!” Indeed, it is hard to find a person in the entire history of the country, whose life was so closely linked with the fate of the country. His titanic efforts and tremendous contribution made to every sphere of public life and its development created grounds for the ultimate liberty of Georgia, defined the process of succeeding development, created a system of solid values that remain as benchmarks for us today.

Our mother church declared Ilia Chavchavadze as a saint and named him Ilia the Righteous. It is by no means a coincidence. For the true service of his homeland and Lord, we deem this great author as a father of nation, role model of patriotism and morality.

Let his bright memory be eternal!”, - says Irakli Garibashvili.