Georgian Orthodox Church marks 48th anniversary of patriarch’s enthronement

48th anniversary of the enthronement of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II. Photo: Global Orthodox

On December 25, 2025, the Georgian Orthodox Church marked the 48th anniversary of the enthronement of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II. Divine services and commemorative events took place in Tbilisi and other cities across the country, Global Orthodox reports.

A sermon marking the occasion was delivered by the Patriarchal Locum Tenens, Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Chkhorotsku. He emphasized that the enthronement of Ilia II in 1977 marked the beginning of a period of spiritual revival for both the Church and the country during a difficult historical era.

In a congratulatory address, the Holy Synod noted that during the years of the Patriarch’s ministry the number of eparchies, churches, and monasteries increased significantly. Spiritual education, church art, and extensive charitable activity were revived, including large-scale support for families with many children.

Congratulations were also addressed to the Primate by representatives of the state authorities, who highlighted his contribution to the preservation of faith, spiritual values, and social unity. The enthronement of Ilia II took place on December 25, 1977, at the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Georgian Patriarch had called on the Church to strengthen Christian values in the face of technological challenges.

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