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Exhibition “Patriarch Ilia II” Opens at the National Archives
The exhibition “Patriarch Ilia II”, dedicated to the lifelong spiritual, public, and national service of the Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia, Ilia II, opened today at the exhibition pavilion of the National Archives of Georgia. The event was inaugurated by the Minister of Justice of Georgia, Paata Salia.
The exhibition highlights the Patriarch’s multifaceted contributions, including the revival of the Church, the development of theological education, as well as his cultural, educational, and public activities.
Among the items on display are two vestments loaned by the Patriarchate of Georgia for the duration of the exhibition. One was worn by Ilia II on the day of his enthronement, December 25, 1977. The other is the patriarchal mantle he wore during divine services throughout his life. On the opening day, a cross associated with the Patriarchs of Georgia—Ephraim II and Ilia II—was also exhibited.
A key focus of the exhibition is the longstanding relationship between the National Archives of Georgia and the Patriarch. Ilia II visited the Archives on three occasions. With his blessing, one of Georgia’s most significant manuscripts—the 12th-century Anchi Gospel—was restored in 2006. This connection reflects his deep commitment to the preservation and study of the nation’s cultural heritage.
The exhibition features materials from the collections of the National Archives as well as private family archives. It also showcases works by renowned Georgian photographers, including Ramaz Natsvlishvili, Yuri Mechitov, Goga Chanadiri, Davit Khizanishvili, Luarsab Togonidze, Gigla Benashvili, Badri and Irakli Vadachkoria, Beso Guliashvili, Giorgi Abdaladze, and Giorgi Meurmishvili. Some of the photographs are being presented to the public for the first time.
The exhibition aims to once again underscore the Patriarch’s significant role in the spiritual, cultural, and public life of Georgia.
Speakers at the opening included the Director General of the National Archives, Teona Iashvili, and historian Sergo Vardosanidze, who reflected on the Patriarch’s legacy and the significance of the exhibition. The event was attended by Deputy Ministers of Justice, representatives of educational and cultural institutions, and other invited guests. Hymns were performed by the choir of the Patriarch’s godchildren.
The exhibition will remain open at the National Archives pavilion until the end of May.
Admission to the exhibition is free.