Ilia Kartozia

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Adriatic Sea has recently stranded dead body of priest Ilia Kartozia.He himself made this decision when he gave his place to a woman who was on the same ship with her child. 27 year old minister sacrificed his life in order to save another soul. Now, we 8th grade students will tell you about an ordinary boy- Omari who turned into priest Ilia. He was born in Sokhumi, in his mothers native town. He was a distinguished child with the sense of humour and diligence. He was healthy. Once he climbed a fig tree and could not come down by himself. Miracle, he was brought down later. His mother does not have much to remember as he finished his childhood soon. While his peers running up and down to get fig, he was heading the way to the church. At the age of 12 he wore a robe. He was first taken to church by archpriest Giorgi who was his friends father. That is why their relationship looked like fatherhood.

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Being an altar has acquired different meanings nowadays. Here- charm plays a big role-in order to attract attention and be shown off. Youngsters try to avoid responsibilities in the church as they are a bit lazy but it was not the case with priest Ilia. He never avoided responsibilities. Once he was told, he did it instantly.Later he decided to go on studying in theological seminary. He asked archpriest Giorgi for permission. In response he was given a warm lecture. He praised his choice. But he was advised to ask for permission to his parents according to the gospel. Ilia Kartozia was frank with priest George. He shared his secret to the priest to follow the path of god and become a monk forever. Again the advice was fatherly.He decided to become a monk though he was too young for this duty. Again he approved his choice. What is better than gods way but again he asked for parental blessing. He was sure that his parents would understand him. His mother met her sons decision with silence. She hid motherly selfishness and told him nothing. No she did not say even a word. His father advised to take care of himself. After that parents had rare relationship with hi son.Even during vacations he did not come back from the church. There are numerous photos while sawing wood,helping other people. The monastery where priest Ilia spent most of his time is in Saphari. Beside the fact that he studied there, it was the place for him to find peace in critical days.Coming back in Tbilisi he always mentioned friendship he had seen in monastery was quite unlike to nations life. People living in monastery understand it differently and when he used to come, he made his friends look at it in this way. Abbot Ilia Kartozia alleviated to the rank of Archimandrite. He became a monk at an early age. He was the priest of saint Davids church in Mtskheta. They say he was working day and night to help builders finish the church. His mother is sure, yes sure, that this very saint helped him find his place beside the god.

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On 28th December it was announced that fire broke out on the ship sailing through Adriatic sea. There were 422 passengers from here 8 Georgian pilgrims who were going to Bar to see saint Nikoloz cemetery. Evacuation started just at the beginning on the fire.TV channels spread contradictory versions. His mother was sitting in front of TV who was trying to hear news about his son. Soon local TV channels broadcast the details of the happening. The witnesses say that priest Ilia Kartozia encouraged people. For him the main aim was to comfort people in the burning ship. He was blessing them. The situation was getting worse, the last rescue boat that came near the burning ship was in a hurry. Rescue team was trying to withdraw passengers. Witnesses say that on the board there was a mother with her child. The priest gave his place to them and he was the only man on the board. When he was taken from the ship the rope was torn off and priest fell in the sea. He dived, than he appeared on the surface. People heard screaming but then he disappeared. His mother heard the news from TV. But she again understood his choice.He was a person who respected everyone and took care of everyone. "I am proud I have him. But now I am 100 times more proud as you completed your life in this way. Surely it is bitter for me." Neither of his friend was surprised when they heard that he was on the ship. Moreover they all were sure that he would not leave the ship until the last passenger.They thought that he would help the passengers-it was his character. He was fearless and brave. He proved that he was not afraid of death.In general he devoted himself to god.

The same was back in 2008.during the Russian-Georgian war. Priest Ilia took the wounded from burning city-Gory. He was there where he was the most needful. Here again he was the last person to leave the city.3 days later when Gory was the epicenter of bombing. He was there together with other priest to comfort and bless homeless and wounded people. At that time he was not a priest, he was a novice and according to the Ilia the II blessing he did everything to lighten the burden for refugees. He spent there nearly 10 days. He wrote his will in advance. A friend who saw priest before going ,says that he told him everything that is going on nowadays.He was saying obsessively that this journey would cost him a life. He predicted what would happen after his death here in Tbilisi. That close friends would be asked. But the did not pay attention as they consider his speech as his habitual character. He used to tell jokes too often. He predicted the place here in this church to be buried. His desire was to keep his body in the church. According to his will he is buried in Mtskheta in st.David the builders church. His mother has the last request:should it be the last tragic death for Georgians.and let he be the replacement of all Georgians. Priest Ilia Katozia was a real face of Georgian history.