President of Georgia congratulates Patriarch Ilia on his 93rd birthday

Visit of the President of Georgia Mikheil Kavelashvili to Patriarch Ilia II. Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr

On January 4, 2026, the President of Georgia, Mikheil Kavelashvili, congratulated the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II, on his 93rd birthday. Georgian Public Broadcaster’s First Channel reported this.

“Today I had the honor of personally congratulating the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, on his 93rd birthday. His prayers, wisdom, and spiritual strength fortify our people,” Kavelashvili wrote on social media.

The head of state wished the Patriarch health and long years in his service to the country and the Church, and also “expressed his gratitude and respect for his invaluable contribution to Georgia.”

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the Georgian Orthodox Church marked the 48th anniversary of the Patriarch’s enthronement.

Read also

Religious Jews attack Armenian monastery in Jerusalem

Police detained six suspects after an attack on the Monastery of Saint James in the Old City.

A PCU cleric, while seizing a church, personally cut the locks of the church in Cherniavka

A PCU cleric rejected the rector's request to provide copies of the meeting minutes, calling him an "enemy of the people."

Oldest UOC church in Sumy marks its patronal feast

Metropolitan Yevlohiy led celebrations at the city’s oldest parish, where the wonderworking Pustynno-Hlynska Icon of the Mother of God was brought for the feast.

Hundreds of faithful in Bulgaria welcome Hawaiian Icon of the Mother of God

Patriarch Daniel led the ceremonial welcome for the myrrh-streaming icon in Sofia and thanked the ROCOR Synod for arranging its visit.

Pope Leo XIV approves new Vatican Сonstitution

The new Fundamental Law establishes the right of non-cardinals to head Vatican administrative bodies.

Church commemorates Prophet Elijah

The Church honors the memory of the prophet who lived in the ninth century BC and became an example of unwavering faith for Christians throughout the ages.