Patriarch celebrates 37th anniversary of his enthronement

Georgian Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II celebrates 37^thanniversary of his enthronement. Festive liturgies are being conducted in Georgian churches for this occasion today.

Georgian Patriarch himself is holding a divine liturgy in the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Mtskheta, where he was enthroned 37 years ago.

Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili congratulated Ilia II on this day in a special statement released today.

"You Holiness, I cordially congratulate you with the anniversary. It has been several decades in one of the most dramatic and important eras of Georgian history, that your spiritual merit, love and far-sighted nature gives us strength, unity and inspires us to find inner peace, readiness for working on personal perfection and energy for serving our country,” the announcement read.

"The landmarks that you lead us to are universal and do not recognise confessional or other differences. That is why you merit is the property of each Georgian citizen,” Margvelashvili said.

"I am happy that I had an opportunity to receive advice and spiritual assistance in the most difficult and challenging moments of my life. I wish you healthy life and inexhaustible energy for spiritually leading our nation,” he said.