Tbilisi, Georgia: The Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, marked the 46th anniversary of his enthronement on Monday, December 25, 2023.
He was elected as the spiritual leader of the Georgian Orthodox Church on December 25, 1977, after the death of his predecessor, Patriarch David V.
On this occasion, thousands of faithful clergy and government officials attended a festive liturgy at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi. The liturgy was followed by a water blessing ceremony, in accordance with the tradition of celebrating the Epiphany, the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River by John the Baptist.
The Patriarch received congratulations and best wishes from various religious and political leaders from Georgia and abroad. Among them were the President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Garibashvili, the Catholicos of All Armenians, Karekin II, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, and the Pope of Rome, Francis.
The Patriarch is widely revered and respected in Georgia, as he has played a crucial role in reviving the Georgian Orthodox Church and strengthening the national identity and unity of the Georgian people.
He is also known for his initiatives to promote peace and dialogue in the region, especially in the conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. He is the godfather of more than 40,000 children as part of his program to encourage population growth in the country.
The Patriarch is 90 years old and has been suffering from some health issues recently. He underwent a successful gallbladder surgery in Germany in February 2023 and has been recovering well since then.
He has expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the prayers and support of his flock and has asked for the help of the Holy Virgin, spiritual joy and strength, health and longevity, for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
