Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II congratulated everyone on Christmas and New Year.

In his New Year address, the Patriarch focuses on the importance to show respect for parents and adults.

“Today when we wish happiness to each other, we should remember that happiness mainly depends on us. Respecting parents is happiness for their children. Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you” – we read in the Bible.

We must learn to listen to each other.

I would like to take this opportunity and urge the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, to end the occupation of Georgian regions – Abkhazia and Tskhinvali. We should remember that the Mother of God is the principal protector of Georgia”, - said Ilia II.