Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili congratulates the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II, on his birthday.

According to the President, thanks to the contributions of Ilia II, the Georgian Orthodox Church remains the spiritual pillar of the nation and a solid foundation of Georgian statehood.

“I heartily congratulate the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, on his birthday.

The dedicated work of our spiritual father, Ilia II, in reviving the Georgian Orthodox Church deserves our special gratitude. Thanks to the merits of His Holiness, the Church remains the spiritual pillar of our nation and a solid foundation of Georgian statehood.

His Holiness’s many years of spiritual leadership and service are of vital importance to the peace of our country, as well as to the spiritual strength and unity of the Georgian people.

His contribution to strengthening tolerance, harmony, and love in society is especially valued.

I wish our Patriarch good health, peace, and many years of service for the benefit of our country and our people,” the President’s congratulatory message reads.