The Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, Shalva Papuashvili, congratulates the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II, on his birthday.

“We congratulate His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II, on his birthday. Each such day and every passing year serves as a reminder to all of Georgia—his parishioners and every citizen alike—of the immense contribution, tireless labour, and love he has devoted over decades to the revival and strengthening of our nation and to the preservation of the Church.

His service stands as an example for our generation, like a candle shining in the darkness, and as a model of how one should work with dedication, loyalty, and love in service to the homeland, the nation, and the Church. I wish His Holiness longevity and strength. May his prayers for our country never cease,” Shalva Papuashvili wrote.