For nearly five decades, His Holiness has devoted himself to caring for our spiritual life, civil unity, and the progress of the country, wrote the Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on social media, extending his congratulations to Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia, Ilia II, on the 46th anniversary of his enthronement.

Garibashvili emphasized that Ilia II has played a crucial role in establishing and strengthening universal values such as faith, love among brothers and sisters, and dedication to serving the nation.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness, Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia, Ilia II, on the occasion of the 46th anniversary of his enthronement. For nearly five decades, His Holiness has dedicated himself to nurturing our spiritual life, fostering civil unity, and contributing to the progress of our country with wisdom and love. Through exemplary service, he played a significant role in establishing and reinforcing universal values such as faith and love between brothers and sisters.

His name is linked with the restoration of Christian values in Georgia, the international recognition of the autocephaly of the Mother Church, the revival of church and monastic life, spiritual education, and numerous other positive endeavours. This remarkable achievement holds equal importance and value for all citizens of our diverse nation. I am grateful for the opportunity to have met His Holiness and his family, personally extending my warm wishes on this significant anniversary. May our patriarch have longevity and strength,” the PM wrote.