From the History of Relations between Georgia and the Catholic World

The presented work deals with the dynamics of development of the Georgian-Roman Church relations - the position and the attitude of the Georgian Church, in general, and George the Hagiorite, in particular, to the Rome. George the Hagiorite expressed the religious position of the Georgian people and Georgia as a whole, because for five years, during his presence in Georgia under the rule of King Bagrat IV (1027-1072) the Georgian monk determined the direction of the Georgian Church. This work also deals with the letters of King Rusudan addressed to the Popes of Rome in 1223-1224 and the 1230s and the responses of Honoris III (1224) and Gregory IX (1240). Based on the analysis of relevant sources and scientific literature, the conclusion is that the Georgian Church did not confront the Roman Church in contrast to other churches (Constantinople, Antioch for instance) despite the fact that practically since about of 1054 (after the Schism) it had a close dogmatical relation with the Greek Orthodox Church and for centuries it had supported the unity of the Christian Church.