Ilia II, His Holiness, and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, the Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi and Metropolitan bishop of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia, has wished Georgians and people worldwide a Happy New Year.
"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. I salute you all, Georgians in Georgia or outside its borders, each and every man and woman worldwide. New Year is coming. We remember David the Prophet's words: 'Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me. Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." We ask God for peace and joy. This life is transient. We hope for a better future. God loves his children. Men must do good and laudable deeds. We must help each other instead of making each other's lives harder. I wish you Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We should never lose hope. God is with us!" Ilia II said.