Ilia Osephashvili was born on March 15, 1968, in Kvareli in the Kakheti region of Georgia. He is known for his commitment to interfaith dialogue and for raising awareness of human rights among various groups through EBC Georgia.

Education

From 1989 to 1994, he studied German language and literature at Tbilisi State University in Georgia and graduated with a degree in teaching German language and literature. In 2006, Osephashvili received a certificate from the International Theological School for Clergy and Pastors. In 2011, he earned a master’s degree in theology from Ilia State University in Georgia.

Work with the EBCG

Osephashvili first came into contact with the Evangelical Baptist Church of Georgia in 1989 when he was told a story about the Gospel of John. Prior to that, he had no formal experience with religion. At the end of 1989, Osephashvili was baptized in the main church (now Peace Cathedral) of the Evangelical Baptist Church of Georgia.

From 1992 to 2002, he was a missionary in Kakheti, where he founded churches. From 2006 to 2007, he was an ordained deacon of the Evangelical Baptist Church in Gori and from 2007 to 2008 pastor of the same church. Since 2008, he has been an ordained bishop of the Evangelical Baptist Church of Georgia.

From 2015 to 2023, he led the interfaith project “Academy of Peace.” Since 2013, he has been a member of the Council of the Association of Free Church Diaconal Works in Europe.

Since 1999, Osephashvili has been dedicated to interfaith dialogue. He is also active in translation work.