PM, president congratulate patriarch Ilia II on his 90th birthday

Georgian prime minister Irakli Garibashvili and president Salome Zourabichvili on Wednesday sent their kind wishes to the country’s patriarch Ilia II on his 90th birthday, marking his deeds and “special merit” to the county over the past 45 years as the most senior cleric. 

“With special respect and love, I want to congratulate the Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia, His Holiness Ilia II, our beloved and proud spiritual leader on his birthday! His contribution to the nation and motherland is immeasurable and the true sense of respect and love towards him in our society is also immeasurable”, Garibashvili said. 

“For almost half a century, His Holiness, as a symbol of the nation’s unity, has been filling us with kindness and love, with his generosity, peace and wisdom. He is a great hope and support for all of us”, he noted. 

Zourabichvili wished herself and the country the patriarch to stay in charge of the country’s spiritual life for “many more years”.