Holy Liturgy Held at Svetitskhoveli Regarding Patriarch's Enthronement
The holy liturgy was held at the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta regarding the enthronement of Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II.
Politicians including Bidzina Ivanishvili, Chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party, Giorgi Gakharia, Prime Minister of Georgia and Archil Talakvadze, Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia attended the liturgy.
“Congratulations to our beloved Patriarch, on the 42nd anniversary of his enthronement. You know how difficult these 42 years were, how difficult our country was a few years ago. Our country has endured many challenges and trials for 42 years. The contribution of our Mother Church and His Holiness, the Patriarch, is greatest. The Church and His Holiness have very often been the largest pillars and examples. You know today that our daily or spiritual life is difficult, and all this requires to be handled in a very well organized and thoughtful manner. Both the State and the Church perform their functions in a very thoughtful and orderly way so that we can overcome all challenges and lead our country to victory. Our country is happy to have such a spiritual father. We wish our beloved Patriarch health and long life," Bidzina Ivanishvili said.
“Today, Georgia and the orthodox world celebrate the 42nd anniversary of the enthronement of our Patriarch. Each year has been the hardest for 42 years after the Patriarch’s enthronement in the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, but the country has prevailed with the leadership of His Holiness.
It is impossible for us to evaluate his merits to the country, it is impossible to evaluate his merits in building churches, it is impossible to evaluate his merits in the educational field, and most importantly, it is impossible to evaluate his merits in maintaining peace in the country.
The Patriarch is our shepherd and of course, on behalf of the Government of Georgia, I congratulate him on this great holiday, I congratulate the whole Georgia, the orthodox world on this day, and I wish him health and the ability to serve our country for many, many more years," the Prime Minister said.
The Georgian Orthodox Church marks the 42nd anniversary of the enthronement of Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia today.
His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II has officially been the spiritual head of the Georgian Orthodox Church for 42 years.
Ilia II was elected as a Catholicos-Patriarch on December 23, 1977, when he was 44 years old.
His Holiness will turn 87 in January.
Based on public polls Ilia II is the most trusted figure in Georgia.
By Ana Dumbadze
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