Bidzina Ivanishvili has congratulated Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, on the 48th anniversary of his enthronement, praising his decades-long service to the Church, faith, and the nation.
In his congratulatory message, Ivanishvili described Ilia II as the spiritual father of Georgia, emphasizing that for nearly half a century he has served the country with dignity and honesty. He noted that the Patriarch’s contribution to strengthening national unity, Christianity, and Georgian statehood is invaluable.
“Despite many difficulties, for almost 48 years Ilia II has worthily borne the heavy cross of the spiritual father of the nation,” Ivanishvili said.
On behalf of himself and his wife, Ekaterina Khvedelidze, Ivanishvili extended his congratulations to the Patriarch and wished him health and strength, expressing hope that Ilia II will continue his mission of strengthening Orthodox values for many years to come.
