The Georgian Orthodox Church on Wednesday marked the 48th anniversary of the enthronement of Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II, with church services and commemorative events held in Tbilisi and across the country, the press service of the Georgian Patriarchate reported.

Addressing the faithful on the occasion, Patriarchal Locum Tenens Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Chkhorotsku described Ilia II’s enthronement in 1977 as “the beginning of a new era” for both the Church and the nation. He said the patriarch’s election marked the start of Georgia’s spiritual revival, which unfolded amid the constraints of the late Soviet atheist regime and continued through subsequent political upheavals.

In a congratulatory message, the Holy Synod highlighted major developments during Ilia II’s decades-long patriarchal ministry. These include a significant increase in the number of dioceses, churches, and monasteries, the opening of theological educational institutions, and the revival of traditional church chanting and sacred art. The Synod also noted the implementation of large-scale charitable and social initiatives.

Among the most distinctive initiatives associated with Ilia II is his role as godfather to tens of thousands of children from large Georgian families, a tradition intended to support the country’s demographic growth.

Senior political figures also sent congratulatory messages. Bidzina Ivanishvili, honorary chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party, praised the patriarch’s contribution to strengthening national unity and statehood. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze described Ilia II as the “spiritual father of the nation,” emphasizing his role in preserving faith and national values. President Mikheil Kavelashvili also offered his congratulations.

Ilia II was enthroned on Dec. 25, 1977, at the ancient Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta, one of Georgia’s most important religious sites. The anniversary has since been observed annually as a major date in the country’s ecclesiastical calendar.

Now one of the longest-serving primates of the world’s Orthodox churches, Patriarch Ilia II remains among the most influential and respected figures in Georgia’s religious and public life.