Georgian Patriarch Ilia blesses the country's new president

Patriarch Ilia and Georgia's new president. Photo: Kavlashvili press service

On December 31, 2024, the Primate of the Georgian Church, Patriarch Ilia II, received Georgia's newly elected President Mikheil Kavlashvili and his family, reports Rustavi2.

The Patriarch blessed Mikheil Kavlashvili and presented him with an icon of the Mandylion (the Image of Christ "Not Made by Hands"). Additionally, the Primate of the Georgian Church wished Kavlashvili success in his role as president.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Primate of the Georgian Church congratulated His Beatitude Onuphriy on his 80th birthday.

Read also

Political expert: Declaring January 7 as Programmer’s Day resembles mockery

Kostiantyn Bondarenko commented on President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision to designate a new professional holiday on the day when Christmas is celebrated.

Cherkasy court accuses Metropolitan Theodosiy of “improper sermon”

At another court hearing in the case of Metropolitan Theodosiy, an expert attempted to argue that there had been no violent seizure of the monastery in Cherkasy and that the alleged crime was committed by the Cherkasy hierarch through an “improper” sermon.

Catherine Whiteford discusses defense of UOC with Congressman Riley Moore

An American political figure spoke about a meeting that addressed the protection of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and freedom of religion.

7-meter didukh to replace Christmas tree installed on Maidan

According to KSCA representatives, "the didukh, unlike the borrowed Christmas tree, is a traditional pre-Christian symbol of ancient Ukrainians".

Patriarch of Bulgaria: OCU will not take part in services at Phanar

The Bulgarian Patriarch emphasized that the OCU is not mentioned in the diptychs of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and will not participate in joint services at the Phanar.

SBU shows what to do with those who celebrate Christmas on January 7

The video of the SBU features its employees breaking down the apartment doors with the comment: "Who comes 'caroling' to those who celebrate Christmas on January 7."