Ilia II turns 81
By Tatia Megeneishvili
Monday, January 6
Patriarch of Georgia Ilia II turned 81 on January 4. People had an opportunity to congratulate him on his birthday in the Patriarchate. The president, prime minister and members of the government also congratulated Ilia II on his anniversary.
President Giorgi Margvelashvili spoke about the patriarch’s deeds.
“The country has gone through tough times in the last 30 years, and the nation has had a shepherd, who carried Georgia through the most difficult periods. We are delighted to celebrate the patriarch’s birthday,” Margvelashvili said, stressing that he is always glad to see Ilia II and that the meeting with the patriarch always fills him with hope.
The patriarch thanked the president for his visit, wishing him great success.
“Let your life be long for the benefit of our nation,” the Patriarch said.
Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili also visited the patriarchate with his family.
“I am happy that Georgians have such a wise and worthy patriarch like you. You made a miracle and revived the spiritual life of the nation,” Gharibashvili said, wishing Ilia a long and healthy life in a united Georgia.
“Tell the people that the Lord reigns. The lord is doing its best, and I wish that under your guidance we are united in Georgia,” the patriarch said in response to Gharibahsvili.
