Georgian President highlights Patriarch Ilia II’s role in Church, state on his birthday

Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili on Sunday congratulated the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness Ilia II, on his birthday, highlighting his exceptional contribution to strengthening tolerance, harmony, and love within Georgian society.

In his congratulatory message, the President emphasised the Patriarch’s exceptional role in the revival of the Georgian Orthodox Church and expressed deep gratitude for his spiritual leadership.

“The service of our spiritual father, Ilia II, to the revival of the Georgian Orthodox Church deserves our special appreciation. Through the efforts of His Holiness, the Church has once again become the spiritual pillar of our nation and a strong foundation of Georgian statehood”, he said.

The President noted that the Patriarch’s decades-long spiritual guidance is of vital importance for peace in the country, as well as for the spiritual strength and unity of the Georgian people.

“The many years of spiritual leadership and service of His Holiness are of vital importance for the peace of our country, the spiritual strength of the Georgian people, and national unity”, he noted.

He also highlighted the Patriarch’s unique contribution to promoting tolerance, harmony, and love across society.

“His contribution to strengthening tolerance, harmony, and love in society is especially worthy of appreciation. I wish our Patriarch health, peace, and many years of service for the benefit of our country and our people”, the President concluded.