Georgia celebrated the Feast Day of Saint Prophet Elijah and the Name Day of His Holiness Ilia II, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, with great reverence and joy on August 2, 2025. The event, a significant occasion in the Georgian Orthodox Church, was marked by a series of religious services and celebrations across the country, especially in Tbilisi, where the main liturgy took place.

The principal divine service was held at the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Tbilisi, attended by clergy, dignitaries, and the faithful. During the service, Metropolitan Shio (Mudjiri) of Senaki and Chkhorotsk, the Patriarchal Locum Tenens, delivered a sermon emphasizing the profound spiritual legacy of the Prophet Elijah, calling him an "earthly angel" and a "second forerunner of the Second Coming of Christ."

"Saint Prophet Elijah is a great example for us of devotion to God, diligence, defense of true faith, preaching, and courage," said Metropolitan Shio. "These virtues are particularly evident in the life of His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II."

The Metropolitan also highlighted the historical significance of Prophet Elijah in Georgia’s spiritual journey, noting that the day of his commemoration coincides with the baptism of King Mirian, an event that marks the beginning of Georgia’s Christianization. This year, the Georgian Church celebrates the 1,700th anniversary of this pivotal moment in Georgian history, a milestone that will be commemorated nationwide.

The Georgian Patriarchate issued a congratulatory message, expressing deep gratitude and love for His Holiness Ilia II, acknowledging him as the spiritual leader of the nation and the protector of the Georgian Orthodox faith. The message also extended well wishes to the Patriarch on the day dedicated to his heavenly patrons, Prophet Elijah and Saint Ilia the Righteous.

On this significant day, Patriarch Ilia II received numerous messages of congratulations from bishops, clergy, state officials, public figures, and citizens across Georgia. Special prayers and services were held in churches throughout the country, with the faithful coming together in unity to honor their spiritual leader and the revered prophet.

In a gesture of solidarity and respect, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia also sent an official congratulatory message to the Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia. The message, released by the Russian Orthodox Church’s Department for External Church Relations, read: "With the intercession of your heavenly patron, the Prophet Elijah, you set a shining example of following the Lord’s commandments and placing unwavering trust in His divine providence… I offer my fervent prayers for your strength and success in guiding the Holy Orthodox Church."

This day not only celebrated the life and legacy of Saint Prophet Elijah but also honored the spiritual leadership of Patriarch Ilia II, underscoring the deep ties between faith, history, and national identity in Georgia. The occasion also marked a moment of reflection on the enduring significance of Christian values in the nation’s cultural and spiritual heritage.