Irakli Kobakhidze - With the declaration of autocephaly on March 25, 1917, the Georgian nation restored historical justice, however, it was the Patriarch's greatest efforts that led us to the complete and final victory
Today we celebrate the historic day of the restoration of the autocephaly of the Georgian Apostolic Orthodox Church - this year this solemn date is overshadowed by national grief - we bid farewell to the spiritual leader of the nation, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II, one of the most important of whose many achievements is the worldwide recognition of the ancient autocephaly of the Mother Church, - Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze writes on his social network.
According to him, by declaring autocephaly on March 25, 1917, the Georgian nation restored historical justice. However, it was the Patriarch's great efforts that led us to a complete and final victory.
“Today we celebrate the historic day of the restoration of the autocephaly of the Georgian Apostolic Orthodox Church.
This year, this solemn date is overshadowed by national sorrow - we bid farewell to the spiritual leader of the nation, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II, one of whose many achievements is the recognition of the ancient autocephaly of the Mother Church at the world level.
With the proclamation of autocephaly on March 25, 1917, the Georgian nation restored historical justice. However, it was the Patriarch’s greatest efforts that led us to a complete and final victory.
In 1990, as a result of his tireless work and high international authority, the Ecumenical Patriarchate officially recognized the historical autocephaly and patriarchal title of our Church. This was a decisive step not only in strengthening the Church, but also in strengthening the sovereignty of the Georgian state.
Today, on the 9th day since the death of His Holiness, when the whole country is mourning, this invaluable achievement - the solid foundation of our spiritual and national identity - most clearly testifies to the epochal legacy of Ilia II.
Congratulations on this historic day. It is our duty to take care of the unity left by the Patriarch and, with the greatest respect for his memory, continue his path with dignity,” Kobakhidze wrote.
