On Sunday, January 13, 2013, at Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, His All-Holiness presided over the concelebration of the Divine Liturgy together with Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia, Patriarch Irenej of Serbia, the Patriarchal Vicar of the Church of Bulgaria, Metropolitan Kyril of Varna, and Metropolitan Christopher of the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Among those in attendance were the President of Georgia, the Hon. Mikhail Saakashvili with his family, and the Vice President of the Parliament of Georgia, the Hon. Manana Kobakhidze.

The Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II thanked the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew I for his visit to Georgia. As His Holiness said in the preaching after the Sunday service the Patriarch of Constantinople has done a lot for the world. As a sign of respect and love, the Georgian Patriarch handed over an enamel icon of David the Prophet to the Bartholomew I.

“God give you peace, joy and love. We are proud that you are here today. You have done a lot for the world”, – said Ilia ll.

The Patriarchs of Serbia, the Czech Republic and Slovakia also delivered speeches at the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili also congratulated Ilia ll on his 80th birthday and the 35th anniversary from his enthronement.

photos by Nikolaos Manginas