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
Major U.S. hospital network refuses to implement new assisted suicide law
Advocate Health Care said it would not participate in Illinois’ assisted suicide program.
OCU activists call TRC to service of persecuted UOC community in Kremenchuk
After seizing the Holy Trinity Church in Kremenchuk, Dumenko's followers attempted to disrupt the worship service of UOC believers held in the open air.
Bila Tserkva authorities attempting to seize monastery building from UOC
The Bila Tserkva City Council is attempting to reclaim the buildings of the St. Mary Magdalene Convent for communal ownership through the courts.
Egyptian police arrest Christians targeted in Muslim attacks
Copts were released once they withdrew their complaints against their assailants.
Primate of Macedonian Church congratulates Lavra's abbot on name day
Archbishop Stefan noted the zeal of the Lavra's abbot, who shares the sorrows of his flock.
Persecuted community in Stari Broskivtsi marks patronal feast in new church
The rector thanked the faithful for building a new church to replace the one that was seized.