Pope Francis congratulates Georgia’s Patriarch on 40th anniversary of his enthronement

17:06, 25.12.2017

Pope Francis has congratulated the Georgian Patriarch on the 40th anniversary of his enthronement.

“I am happy to congratulate you warmly, with brotherly love. I join your holiness, your church and the wonderful Georgian people.

According to the Bible, 40 years is a time God’s chosen nation wandered in the desert to find a promised land. And you, your holiness, have been walking in the desert for 40 years, until the time has come and the faith of the Lord sprouted again.

Dear brother, I keep the memory of your country’s spirituality, Christianity and culture in my heart, which I was able to know and appreciate during my last visit. I am grateful to the Lord that I was able to meet you personally and embrace you with a brotherly love.

On the eve of Christmas, on your 85th anniversary, I would like to ask our common father to give you health, spiritual joy, and inner strength. Especially I want to assure you that I will always pray, together with the Catholic Church in Georgia, for your holiness and grace,” – reads the letter of congratulations of the Pope.

Religion

Society

Georgian Patriarch

Ilia II

Pope Francis