Georgian PM: autocephaly restoration day reflects Patriarch Ilia II’s enduring spiritual legacy

Georgian prime minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday marked the historic anniversary of the Restoration of Autocephaly of the Apostolic Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Georgia.

In his message, the head of government noted that among the many contributions of the late Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II one of the most significant was the international recognition of the ancient autocephaly of the Mother Church.

The prime minister emphasised that while the declaration of March 25, 1917, restored historical justice, it was the tireless efforts of the late Patriarch that brought the process to its ultimate international conclusion.

“This year, the solemn date is overshadowed by national mourning - we bid farewell to the nation’s spiritual leader, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II. Among his many merits, one of the most important was precisely the recognition of the Church’s historic autocephaly at a global level”, he said.

“With the proclamation of autocephaly on March 25, 1917, the Georgian nation restored historical justice. However, it was the Patriarch’s tremendous efforts that led us to a complete and final victory”, the PM continued.

Kobakhidze further highlighted that in 1990, as a result of the Patriarch’s tireless work and highest international authority, the Ecumenical Patriarchate formally recognised the Church’s historical autocephaly and patriarchal title, stressing “this was a decisive step not only for strengthening the Church but also for consolidating the sovereignty of the Georgian state”.

“Today, on the ninth day since His Holiness’s passing, as the entire country mourns, this invaluable achievement - a firm foundation of our spiritual and national identity - most clearly reflects the epochal legacy of Ilia II”, he added.

“I congratulate you on this historic day. It is our duty to preserve the unity left by the Patriarch and, with the utmost respect for his memory, to continue his path with dignity”, the PM concluded.