President to the Patriarch: We are grateful for the invaluable service that you have provided for the spiritual perfection of your flock and the development of the nation

The President of Georgia congratulates the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II, on his birthday.

"Your Eminence, I congratulate you on your birthday with great love! This remarkable day is dear to our country. You, as the leader of the Church of Georgia, have been giving us an example of love for God, motherland and neighbor for many years, comforting us with wisdom and care. We are grateful for the priceless contribution that you have made for the spiritual perfection of your flock and the improvement of the nation.

Your prayer-blessing inspires hope to every Georgian in the homeland and beyond, encourages those who are today behind the occupation line.

Your Eminence, I wish you good health and longevity, and I wish Georgia that your hope and paternal love will strengthen its back for many more years!" - says the President, whose congratulatory speech is distributed by the Presidential Administration.