Georgian Patriarch Ilia II marks 47th anniversary of enthronement

Patriarch Ilia II. Photo: kavkazplus.com

On December 25, 2023, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi, and Metropolitan of Pitsunda and Tskhum-Abkhazia Ilia II celebrates the 47th anniversary of his enthronement.

This makes the tenure of Patriarch Ilia II the longest in the history of the Georgian Orthodox Church. The Patriarch’s enthronement took place on December 25, 1977, at the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.

Honorary chairman of the Georgian Dream party, Bidzina Ivanishvili, congratulated the Patriarch and stated that the day of his enthronement is a historic day for Georgia. “47 years ago, a new era began in the history of the Georgian Orthodox Apostolic Church,” he noted.

As previously reported by the UOJ, the Primate of the Georgian Church, Patriarch Ilia, had earlier addressed the Georgian people in connection with protest actions in the capital.

Read also

UOC Hierarch: The Church Does Not Endorse 'Holy War' Concept

"The assertion that the so-called 'special military operation' is a 'Holy War' contradicts the basic principles of Christian morality," Metr. Yevlohiy said.

Georgian Bishops Finalize Procedures for Patriarchal Election

Head of public relations for the Georgian Church says bishops finalized election procedures while emphasizing unity ahead of the patriarchal council.

SVS Press Releases New Volume by St. Maximus the Confessor

The publisher's new St. Maximus volume explores the theological foundations of Orthodox Christology and the defense of Chalcedon.

Abp. Daniel Announces Synodal Clergy Awards in Chicago Diocese

The Orthodox Church in America's Synodal awards recognized clergy across multiple ranks for dedicated service in the Midwestern diocese.

Registration Opens for First OCA-Wide Clergy Wives Retreat

The Orthodox Church in America’s first churchwide clergy wives retreat aims to strengthen ministry families through prayer, fellowship, and renewal.

Kimberly Guilfoyle Meets Ecumenical Patriarch in Athens

Kimberly Guilfoyle’s meeting with Patr. Bartholomew highlighted support for religious freedom and the global mission of the Orthodox Church.