Georgian Patriarch marks 42nd anniversary of consecration

Georgian Patriarch Ilia II, who will turn 87 in January, has marked the 42nd anniversary of his appointment to the position.

Georgian PM Giorgi Gakharia says that the role of Ilia II in building the church, for the education field and keeping peace is “huge.”

The merit of Ilia II before the country is tremendous,” Gakharia said while attending a liturgy at Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi.

The founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party Bidzina Ivanishvili said that Georgia “is lucky to have the patriarch like Ilia II.”

Georgian top officials have congratulated the patriarch on the day. Photo: IPN. 

Ilia II became the patriarch when he was 44 years old.

• Pope Francis invites Georgian Patriarch to Vatican in 2020

In 1988 there were only 180 priests, 40 monks,15 nuns, 200 churches, one seminary, three convents, and four monasteries in Georgia.

Currently there are about 2,000 acting churches and monasteries in Georgia and up to 3,000 monks and nuns.