Russian patriarch congratulates Ilia II on 90th birthday

Patriarch Kirill of Russia has congratulated the Georgian patriarch Ilia II on his 90th birthday, wishing him “God’s great mercy, peace, joy and strength for many years”. 

In his letter, the Russian spiritual leader stressed the way of life of his Georgian counterpart had been “inseparably connected with Christ, whom you have loved since childhood”. 

“During the severe persecution against the church, you chose the thorny path of serving God. After receiving spiritual education, you began to work diligently for the benefit of the Georgian church, thereby multiplying the gifts given by the Lord. As soon as they saw your reverence and zeal for the glory of Christ, the fellow priests elected you as the Catholicos-Patriarch of all Georgia”, the Russian top cleric said. 

Praising many years of “wisely” ruling the Georgian church, Kirill told Ilia II “your rich experience, both worldly and spiritual, which you generously share with everyone who comes to you, is a valuable asset of the Georgian Orthodox Church”.