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
Society of St. John's Day of Action Gives Hope Persecution of UOC May Subside, Analyst Says
Political scientist says congressional outreach and high-level U.S. statements signal possible shift in response to persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Catholic Host of 'Roots of Orthodoxy' Says Orthodox Apologists are 'Disgusting', 'Trash'
"You Orthodox apologists are absolutely freaking disgusting," Cabada said. "You're a disgusting human being. You're trash. I'm not scared to say that."
Rep. Bacon: 'I Don't Think the UOC Takes Orders from Russia'
Earlier this week, the congressman rejected an opportunity for dialogue with members of the Society of St. John who visited his office despite them holding the same viewpoint.
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.