Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Gakharia has congratulated the Patriarch on his birthday.

"I congratulate the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II on his birthday with love and great respect.

His contribution to strengthening the spirituality of the Georgian nation, preserving its historical uniqueness and traditions is immeasurable. I especially appreciate his contribution to the restoration of our churches and the education of the nation.

Even now, when the whole world is fighting against the invisible enemy, the prayer-blessing of His Holiness gives us, all Georgia, special strength to overcome the greatest ordeal by caring for each other.

I wish our Patriarch health, courage and long life," Gakharia says in his Facebook post.