Georgian patriarch addresses Russian President Putin
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Georgian Patriarch Ilia II has addressed Russian President Vladimir Putin in his New Year video and stated that the “occupation of the historic Georgian territories [by Russia] should end.”
Ilia II has wished happiness to the people of Georgia, stating that “happiness is dependent on us.”
He urged the new generation to respect and listen to elderly ones.
Georgian top officials, the prime minister, the president and parliament speaker have sent kind wishes on a New Year holiday. “I wish you a Happy New Year 2020! I wish happiness and success to all of you and to our homeland. We welcome the New Year with hope and anticipation of beneficial change. May all our wishes-those of all our citizens, the younger and the elder alike-come true,” Georgian PM Giorgi Gakharia said.
Adherents of the Georgian Orthodox Church are celebrating Christmas today according to the Julian calendar together with other members of the Orthodox world. Following the last night's church service a march will be held in the streets, called Alilo.
The Georgian Orthodox Church is celebrating Christmas today according to the Julian calendar.
Catholicos Patriarch of Georgia Ilia II has expressed his warm wishes to the nation on the New Year and wished everyone happiness.
A Santa Claus and other fairytale characters travelling through Georgia for New Year met with children at the Abkhazia occupation line earlier today and wished them peace and unity. The fairytale character is visiting Georgian villages in the framework of a joint project between Finland and Georgia.