Georgian Orthodox Church solemnly celebrated the 93rd anniversary of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II

On January 4, the Georgian Orthodox Church prayerfully celebrated the 93rd birthday of its Primate, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II. Solemn services were held throughout the country, with the central event being a festive liturgical gathering at the Holy Trinity Patriarchal Cathedral in Tbilisi. Patriarch Ilia II has led the Georgian Church for almost half a century, and his ministry is celebrated as an example of spiritual guidance and revitalization of church life.

According to Gorthodox.com, prayers of thanksgiving and petitions for the health and longevity of the Primate were offered in the churches of Georgia. Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) of Senaki and Chkhorotsk, Patriarchal Locum Tenens of the Georgian Church, delivered a sermon at the Holy Trinity Patriarchal Cathedral in Tbilisi. He emphasized that Ilia II’s many years of service is a spiritual guide and an example of pastoral fidelity to Christ for the faithful, comparing his path to the Star of Bethlehem showing the way to the Savior.

In the congratulatory message of the Georgian Patriarchate it was noted that the life and ministry of Ilia II became an example of Christian humility, love and responsibility for the destiny of the country for the Church and the people. Thanks were expressed to God for such a Primate and prayers were offered that he would continue to lead the Georgian Orthodox Church «on the path of the truth of Christ and spiritual strengthening of the nation». Georgian President Mikhail Kavelashvili also joined the congratulations, emphasizing the importance of the Patriarch’s prayers and spiritual wisdom for the society and the state.

Recall that on December 25, the Georgian Orthodox Church solemnly celebrated the 48th anniversary of the enthronement of Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II. Divine services and official events were held throughout the country to commemorate the almost half-century of service of the Primate, who played a key role in the spiritual revival and strengthening of Georgian society.