Bishop Melchizedek conveyed the brotherly wishes of Patriarch Ilia of Georgia to the Ecumenical Patriarch.
“Your All-Holiness, the Phanar always acts as a Mother Church because it is our genuine Mother. It is the Church, which, after so much effort, struggle, and sacrifices, gave birth to all Churches and holds a dominant position amongst the ancient Patriarchates. That is why we are pleased to come to you at every opportunity. The people of Georgia love you. You are the one who gave us the right to have jurisdiction on Abkhazia and Tskhinvali. All Iberia is celebrating with great joy your 80th birthday, is praying for you, and wishing you all the best. Your All-Holiness, may you live a long life! May God bless you with strength, resilience, and persistence to remain the pillar in our Church,” he said.
The Ecumenical Patriarch seemed deeply moved by his speech.
Gepostet von Ecumenical Patriarchate am Samstag, 29. Februar 2020