The Camillian Foundation of the Caucasus, which comprises Georgia and Armenia, celebrated the ordination of the first Georgian Camillian priest on 10 June. Other native Camillian youth are currently training in seminary for religious life and some for the priesthood. News of the ordination was given by the Fides international press agency. The consecration ceremony took place in the Cathedral of Tbilisi dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Assumption. The newly ordained priest is called Father Akaki Chelidze. The celebration was officiated by Monsignor Giuseppe Pasotto, Latin ordinary for the Caucasus, in the presence of the Apostolic Nuncio Claudio Gugerotti. The congregation consisted of various religious, Camillian and non-Camillian, invalids, doctors and personnel of the two large hospitals donated by John Paul II, and guests and staff of the homes for disabled children and kindergartens run by the Camillian Fathers in the country.
