Ilia II receives the title of Honor Cause of the Theological Academy
By Anastasia Sokhadze
Tuesday, October 6
On October 5th, Ilia II was awarded the honorary title which, according to Giorgi Zviadadze, the rector of Academy and Seminary, is the first time that the Academy has awarded such a high award and presented it to the Patriarch for his special merit before the country and the church.
“Your Holiness, on behalf of the Parliament of Georgia, congratulations on the title of Honorary Cause of the Tbilisi Theological Academy,” the Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, Archil Talakvadze writes about this on the official Facebook page.
The Speaker of the Parliament speaks about the merits of the Patriarch and notes that His Holiness with his life, work and strength of faith gives us an example of how a person should meet modern challenges.
"Your merits before the nation and the homeland are unique and invaluable. Your life, work, and faith give people an example of how a person can meet modern challenges. In these changing and difficult times, you will be reminded of the importance of humanity, humility, selflessness, and love through kind words and Christian teaching. I wish you encouragement and longevity for the good of our homeland,” wrote Talakvadze.
The President of Georgia spoke about the merits of the Patriarch and noted that the Apostolic Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Georgia was reborn in the Patriarch’s hands when he was resurrected as a full member of the family of world churches.
Zurabishvili also mentioned the on-going conflict between Azerbaijani and Armenia.
“Your prayers have great power today, when our two brotherly countries are at war and the blood of the brothers is still shed on the Holy Land of the Caucasus. Your prayer for peace will make us believe, avoid trials and bring us peace," said the President of Georgia.
It is truly difficult to lead a community spiritually in a time of transition. Caring for the population’s spiritual salvation, by adhering not only to Christian but also to universal humanistic ideas. He had to be the spiritual shepherd of Georgia during the time of trial.
According to Zurabishvili, the ordeal is not over, the world is entering a new turbulent era.
The event was attended by the enthroned Catholicos-Patriarch, Reverend Shio, the Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia and invited guests.
