Georgian PM hails Patriarch’s “exemplary leadership” on 46th anniversary of enthronement

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Monday hailed the “exemplary leadership” of Patriarch Ilia II of the domestic Orthodox Christian Church on the 46th anniversary of his enthronement, personally conveying his “warmest wishes” to the religious leader at the Patriarchate in Tbilisi while accompanied by his family.  

Expressing his “deep respect and affection” the PM stressed the Patriarch had dedicated himself to “nurturing our spiritual life, fostering civil unity, and advancing the progress of our nation with wisdom and love” for nearly five decades, the Government press office said. 

Through his exemplary leadership, he has established and strengthened universal values of faith, brotherly love, and service to the country and its people”, the PM said. 

He further noted the Patriarch’s name had been “inseparable from the resurgence of Christian values in Georgia, the international recognition of the autocephaly of the [Georgian] Church, and the revitalisation of church and monastic life, as well as spiritual education”. He added the “remarkable achievements are equally significant and cherished by all citizens of our diverse nation”. 

Extending his gratitude to Ilia II for the opportunity to meet him with his family, the head of the Government wished the former “continued longevity and vigour”.