TBILISI. - Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC) of Georgian diocese welcomes the decision of the Georgian parliament to grant legal status to five religious organizations including AAC.

 “This step is typical to a democratic state. Not only AAC but also other religious communities have expected such status to be granted for decades,” head of AAC Georgian diocese bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan told Radio Liberty.

Previously AAC enjoyed de-facto recognition by Georgian authorities, Patriarchy and Georgian community. However, if the parliament passes the bill, it will grant significant privileges. Armenian Church can gradually gain the right of property for the churches that were previously under the disposal of the Georgian Ministry of Culture, the bishop added.

As Armenian News-NEWS.am informed earlier, Georgian parliament passed amendments to Civil Code on July 1. According to the amendments, five religious unions will be granted legal status. Organizations enjoying legal status are independent from the state control and can perform political, official, social, enlightening, cultural and other public activities. The second and last reading for the bill is scheduled for July 6.