The Missionary District of Georgia.

The following is taken from 'Unreformed' the International magazine of the Holy Catholic Church - Western Rite.

THE BEGINNING OF A DIOCESE IN GEORGIA. BISHOP GARNER’S REPORT ON HIS RECENT VISIT.

 When you arrive in Thilisi, Georgia, you quickly become aware that it is a foreign country. Very little English is spoken, Easyjet and Ryanair don’t go there, tourists are almost unknown. Moreover the country is in a tense situation. After nearly a hundred years of domination by Russia the Republic seized its independence when the Soviet empire broke up twenty years ago, but life has not been easy since then. Almost exactly a year ago two tiny states which had previously been part of Georgia declared themselves independent, and Russian troops were sent in to protect them. The result was a brief but bloody war between Georgia and Russia. The Russian troops were not withdrawn, so there has been strong military pressure on Georgia’s northern frontier ever since, with the result that several thousand refugees from the border areas have fled to Georgia. The country also relies to a great extent on energy supplies from Russia, and these oil and gas supplies are subject to unpredictable (and malicious) cuts.

            As you might expect, there is not much money around, but in spite of all their problems the Georgians are remarkably optimistic, and I certainly appreciated the hospitality for which they are famous. The small group I had come to see gathered in the flat of one of their number and it was there that we celebrated an improvised Mass during which I ordained two men as deacons - both of them, I think, dedicated to the establishment of a strong presence for our Church in Georgia.

When it comes to religion the country has long enjoyed harmonious relations. It is dominated by the Russian and Georgian Orthodox Churches, and while the Roman Catholic Church has a modest following I sensed that its morale is not high.

There are formidable obstacles to overcome before we can ordain a priest in Tbilisi. The cost of travel is very high, and the language problem will not only hamper ministry training but make it difficult to provide a Missal. However, with determination and ingenuity I have no doubt that we shall get there. I hope you will include our two Deacons in your prayers as they set out to lead our new Mission.

His Grace, the Archbishop, has appointed Bishop Garner as Episcopal Visitor to The Missionary District of Georgia. The whole Church prays for and looks forward to his success in this most interesting development.

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