2018-01-04

"Your primacy not only embodies immeasurable grace bestowed upon our nation but is also a vital necessity. Given the challenges facing our country today, your tenure as Patriarch is our might and, of course, a vital necessity," Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili wished a happy celebration of two anniversaries to His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II.
Today, Giorgi Kvirikashvili visited the Patriarchate to attend the presentation of the full edition of the Old Testament and the revised version of the Mtskheta Bible.
"Your Holiness, on behalf of the Georgian Government, and with immense love, I wish a happy birthday on this enormously important date; I also congratulate you on the 40th anniversary of your enthronization. I wish you good health and many more years of your primacy. Your primacy not only embodies immeasurable grace bestowed upon our nation but is also a vital necessity. Given the challenges facing our country today, your tenure as Patriarch is our might and, of course, a vital necessity. This is why I wish you many years in your high office, and I wish empowerment to Georgia, a cause you are serving on a daily basis. I thank you for the hope and comfort given by you in abundance to our country," the Prime Minister addressed the Patriarch.
The Prime Minister congratulated everyone on the completion of two crucially important publications: the Old Testament and the Mtskheta Bible, and thanked the team of scholars involved in these projects for their tireless work.
"In my humble opinion, it is yet another pillar sustain the might of our Church, cementing our autocephaly. I congratulate the team of scholars working on these publications, the National Center of Manuscripts, Mr. Zaza Abashidze, and every scholar. Of course, these publications immortalize the names of those who, through generations, have worked on these milestone publications," the Prime Minister stated and wished everyone a Happy New Year and the upcoming Feast of the Nativity of the Lord.
Held at the Patriarchate, the event was attended by the President of Georgia, the Speaker of the Parliament, members of the Cabinet, clerics, and representatives of scholarly and academic communities.

Prime Minister's Press Office