The Georgian Parliament Speaker, Shalva Papuashvili, describes the 46th anniversary of the enthronement of the Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia, Ilia II, as a momentous occasion. Papuashvili acknowledges the historical role played by His Holiness in strengthening the spirituality of the Georgian nation.

“When he ascended the throne, he took over the Georgian Church with 30 temples operating in 15 dioceses, where several dozen bishops and monks performed services. Today, thanks to His Holiness, there are 46 dioceses in Georgia and abroad, with 2,000 active churches and 3,000 monks and nuns. These are not mere numbers; they are the foundation of our spirituality and the foundations of our identity,” highlights Shalva Papuashvili.

Papuashvili underscores the unique and historical role of Ilia II in recent Georgian history. He attributes to His Holiness the merit of the Church, not only caring for the nation’s spirituality but also acting as a conciliator among Georgians and a mediator in resolving various disagreements.

“I congratulate His Holiness, and with him, our country, today. I wish you health and leadership of the mother church for many more years,” concludes the Speaker.

December 25 is Enthronement Day of Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II.