Faith and Football Unite: Patriarch Ilia II Meets Georgian National Team After Their Historic Euro Cup Run

OCP News Service – 07/07/2024

Tbilisi -Georgia: Following their historic run to the UEFA Euro 2024 knockout stages, the Georgian national football team paid a visit to His Holiness Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church. The team, along with coaches and staff, were received at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi on July 04.2024.

This visit comes after Patriarch Ilia II previously extended his heartfelt congratulations and blessings to the team upon their successful Euros, a first-ever feat for Georgia.

On July 2nd, 2024, Patriarch Ilia II issued a public statement offering his congratulations to the entire nation:

“Congratulations to the Georgian national football team, coaches, whole Georgia and compatriots abroad for their worthy performance on behalf of our country at the European Championship. This fact, it could be said, covered the whole country and brought special joy to the people, above all, because it represented Georgia with dignity in front of the world and representatives of different countries were also respected. Congratulations and congratulations, our favorite football players. God bless each and everyone of you. May God bless us with unity and other great victories that are very important for the country.” – Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church

Following this public message, on July 4th, 2024, Patriarch Ilia II met with the players again in a more personal setting. The meeting was held at the patriarchal residence in the village of Tsilasofel, Dusheti municipality. The GFF President, Levan Kobiashvili, and members of the football team also attended the gathering.

Highlights of the Meeting:

• Patriarch Ilia II blessed the players of the national team.
• Father Giorgi Zviadadze, a representative of the Georgian Football Federation, expressed immense respect and gratitude to the team for bringing joy and recognition to Georgia on the international stage.
• Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to meet the Patriarch and thanked the fans for their unwavering support throughout the tournament.
• Levan Kobiashvili, President of the Football Federation, emphasized the importance of the Patriarch’s blessing in the team’s success.

 The Georgian national team has captured the hearts of the nation with their impressive performances. Their visits to Patriarch Ilia II further highlight the unifying power of sport and faith in Georgia.

Source:
OCP News Service