Georgian President Honors Pat. Ilia II on 93rd Birthday

Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr

TBILISI — On January 4, 2026, Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili extended heartfelt congratulations to the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, on the occasion of his 93rd birthday, Georgian Public Broadcaster’s First Channel reported.

“Today I had the honor of personally congratulating the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, on his 93rd birthday. His prayers, wisdom, and spiritual strength fortify our people,” Kavelashvili wrote on social media.

The President also wished Patriarch Ilia II continued health and many more years of dedicated service to both the nation and the Georgian Orthodox Church. He emphasized his gratitude for the Patriarch’s “invaluable contribution to Georgia” and his enduring role in guiding the spiritual and moral life of the Georgian people.

Patriarch Ilia II, who has led the Georgian Church for decades, remains a central figure in the country’s religious and national life, shaping both faith and culture across generations.

Previously, the UOJ reported on hundreds of children baptized in Georgia. 

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