Tbilisi, January 4, 2023
Photo: Georgian Patriarchal Press Service His Holiness Catholic-Patriarch Ilia of Georgia turns 90 years old today.
Pat. Ilia is the most trusted man in the nation and one of the most beloved hierarchs of the entire Orthodox Church. His 45-year rule over the Georgian Church has been a time of great spiritual revival.
The Public Relations Service of the Georgian Patriarchate writes:
We congratulate His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi, Metropolitan Ilia II of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia with great love and respect on his 90th birthday.
His Holiness has been tirelessly teaching us for many years and giving us an example of faithfulness to Christ, and of love, gratitude, patience, kindness, forgiveness, and caring for one another.
We wish His Holiness and Beatitude health, strength of spirit, and many years!
We thank the Lord for giving us such a distinguished, grateful, and strong shepherd at such an important time for our country and Church.
May God grant that His Holiness and Beatitude continue to guide the Orthodox Church of Georgia on the path to the truth of Christ and the spiritual strengthening of the Georgian nation.
The Georgian Church just celebrated the 45th anniversary of the enthronement of Pat. Ilia as primate on December 25.
At the time of his enthronement, there were 15 dioceses and only 30 active churches left thanks to communist persecutions. Today there are 47 dioceses and about 2,000 active parishes, as well as about 3,000 clergy.
The Patriarch is also the most beloved and trusted man in the nation, and today he is the Godfather to more than 45,000 Georgian children.
May God grant His Holiness and Beatitude Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia many blessed years!
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