David V, Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids David V |
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| His Holiness and Beatitude, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia | |
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| Church | Georgian Orthodox Church |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Khariton Devdariani |
| Born | April 6, 1903 |
| Died | November 9, 1977 |
| Nationality | Georgian |
| Denomination | Eastern Orthodox Church |
| Occupation | Catholicos-Patriarch |
| Profession | Theologian |
David V (Georgian: დავით V), born as Khariton Devdariani, was an important leader of the Georgian Orthodox Church. He was the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia from July 2, 1972, until he passed away on November 9, 1977. His full title was His Holiness and Beatitude, Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi and Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. This means he was the main spiritual leader for many Christians in Georgia.
Early Life and Church Career
Khariton Devdariani was born on April 6, 1903, in a village called Mirotsminda. This village is now part of the Kharagauli Municipality in a region called Imereti, Georgia.
He decided to dedicate his life to the church from a young age. In 1927, he became a priest. Later, in 1956, he was made a bishop, which is a higher rank in the church.
From 1959 to 1972, he worked closely with the previous Catholicos-Patriarch, Ephraim II. He served as a special assistant, known as a chorbishop. When Ephraim II died, David V was chosen to become the new head of the Georgian Orthodox Church.
Leading the Church
When David V became the Catholicos-Patriarch, there were some discussions and different opinions about his leadership. His predecessor, Ephraim II, was very popular because he often spoke about Georgian pride and patriotism. David V, however, was seen by some as being too close to the government of the Soviet Union, which ruled Georgia at the time. This made him less popular with some people.
Some groups in Georgia felt that the Soviet government might have influenced the election of David V. They believed that the previous leader, Ephraim II, might have wanted someone else to take his place. These groups shared their concerns in secret publications.
Despite these challenges, David V led the Georgian Orthodox Church until his death in 1977.
Later Years and Legacy
David V passed away in Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia, in 1977. He was buried at the Sioni Cathedral, an important church in the city.
After his death, Ilia II became the new Catholicos-Patriarch. Ilia II is still the head of the Georgian Orthodox Church today.
