The Rector of the Georgian Technical University, Academician David Gurgenidze, on behalf of the university community and students, to the member of the Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church, the Metropolitan of Manglisi and Tetritskaro, the head of the theology training and research center of GTU, the chairman of the permanent commission establishing the real history of the Patriarchate, the professor, His Eminence, Reverend Anania Japaridze congratulates on his 75th birthday.
As the rector academician David Gurgenidze notes, overcoming the most difficult challenges in the modern civilized world requires particular approaches and, among them, in-depth understanding from the point of view of theology. As the rector points out, for 23 years, the educational and scientific center of theology and theological studies at the Georgian Technical University has been headed by the high priest, professor, Metropolitan Reverend Anania Japaridze, distinguished by his broad erudition, deep thinking, great merit before God and the nation, under whose direct leadership, scientific studies in theology and young Training of professional personnel is successfully carried out.
“Overcoming the most difficult challenges faced by the modern civilized world requires special approaches, including a deep understanding in terms of theology. In the era of rapidly changing times and accelerated technological progress, spirituality, and eternal values are gaining more and more importance, which are directly related to the protection and preservation of the identity of any country and nation. It is here that the Orthodox Church plays a major role in the activation of scientific activities in theology, the education of young professionals, and the development of particular approaches to religious issues.
Einstein wrote: “Science, which is not based on religion, does not deserve trust”. Belief and knowledge are two wings of truth, which our future generations should cognate fundamentally. It is essential that, with the blessing of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude, Ilia II, since 2001, there has been a theology training-scientific center, where scientific researches are successfully carried out. For 23 years, the University Center of Theology has been headed by the high priest, professor, member of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Georgia, Metropolitan of Manglisi and Tetritskaro, His Eminence Reverend Anania Japaridze, distinguished by his great merit before God and the nation, characterized by his broad erudition, deep thinking, and great merit before God and the state.
Due to his great efforts, big love for his fellow man, and deep responsibility, theological teaching and research at the university are increasingly in line with the experience of the leading European universities and research centers. In one of the largest universities in our country, which has always been distinguished by its ethnic-confessional diversity where young people of various ethnicities and confessions are represented in abundance, over 23 years, more than 50,000 students have mastered the basics of theology. Reverend Anania shows special concern for all young people, regardless of nationality and religious affiliation. Significantly, priority directions for our country are more frequently highlighted in the center’s work, which helps to strengthen the Georgian state and bring it closer to democratic principles. Under the direct leadership of Reverend Ananias and with the full support of the university administration, it is precisely such approaches that are given great attention in the teaching and scientific research carried out by the University Center for Theology.
In terms of the development of theological science, the creation of a doctoral program in this direction and the involvement of young people in scientific research are also important achievements. The center's researchers and doctorate students participate in international conferences, and grant programs and work on monographs and reference book creations. A university is a place, where a student should be formed not only as a professional but also as a citizen with high self-awareness and a full-fledged member of society. The contribution of the Theology Training and Research Center of the Georgian Technical University and personally, Metropolitan Anania Japaridze is great in this noble cause.
On behalf of our scientific-academic circles, administration, and students, we express with admiration and respect the greatest gratitude to His Holiness Reverend Anania, congratulate him on his 75th birthday, and wish him health, longevity, and fruitful scientific work for the benefit of the country and the university”, - is said in the congratulation letter of the rector of the Georgian Technical University.