Foreign church leaders, diplomatic missions, and officials have extended condolences to Georgia following the passing of Patriarch Ilia II, head of the Georgian Orthodox Church, who died late on March 17 at the age of 93.
Patriarch Ilia II, who led the Church for nearly five decades, died at Tbilisi’s Caucasus Medical Center after being hospitalized in critical condition with severe internal bleeding during the early hours of March 17. He was widely regarded as one of the most pivotal figures in Georgia’s recent history, enjoying broad public trust across political divides in a country where more than 80 percent of the population identifies with Orthodox Christianity.
Georgia has declared a period of mourning, with flags lowered across the country, while a memorial service is expected to begin at Tbilisi’s Holy Trinity Cathedral on the evening of March 18.
Civil.ge compiled statements from foreign partners and officials.
Religious Leaders, Senior Clergy Respond:
Patriarch Daniel of Romania: “It is with deep sorrow that we received the news about the passing from this world of our beloved brother in Christ, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II of blessed memory, a venerable personality of contemporary Orthodoxy and a steadfast confessor of the faith, who shepherded with wisdom the Orthodox Church of Georgia during periods of both trial and renewal. On behalf of the hierarchs, clergy, and faithful of the Romanian Orthodox Church, we extend condolences to the members of the Holy Synod and to the entire Georgian Orthodox Church. At the same time, we pray to our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is “the Resurrection and the Life” (John 11, 25), to rest the soul of Patriarch Ilia II in the dwelling places of His beloved saints, where there is no pain, nor sorrow, nor sighing, but life everlasting. May his memory be eternal from generation to generation!”
Metropolitan Epiphanius of Kyiv and All Ukraine: “I received with sorrow and sympathy the news of the passing into eternity of Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia, Primate of the Georgian Orthodox Church, a spiritual leader whose life was devoted to serving God, the Church, and the Georgian people. For many decades of his patriarchal ministry, he remained a spiritual guide for countless faithful, striving to strengthen the faith, preserve Christian traditions, and support the spiritual renewal of society after years of state atheism. We also remember that he expressed support for Ukraine during its experience of a full-scale invasion by Russia. The figure of Patriarch Ilia II held special significance not only for Georgia but for the entire Orthodox world. His ministry inspired many, helped people endure trials, and maintain hope even in the most difficult times, especially during wars provoked by Russian aggressors. I express my heartfelt condolences to the episcopate, clergy, and all faithful of the Georgian Orthodox Church who have lost their Primate, as well as to the Georgian people, for whom he was not only a Patriarch but a true spiritual father.”
José Avelino Bettencourt, former Vatican Ambassador to Georgia: “I extend my deepest condolences and offer my prayers to the Georgian people. At the age of 93, in the 49th year since his enthronement, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi, and Metropolitan of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia, has passed away.”
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia: “With deep sorrow I received the news of the passing of my dear Brother and Concelebrant, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. On behalf of the fullness of the Russian Orthodox Church and personally, I offer my most sincere condolences in connection with the grievous loss that has befallen our Sister Church, the Georgian Orthodox Church. The Lord Almighty granted the Church of ancient Iberia a Patriarch who devoted his entire long life to tireless care for its well-being. Nearly fifty years of the Patriarchate of His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia became an entire era in the life of the Georgian Church and of all Orthodoxy. Through his zealous service and special gift of discernment, the departed gained exceptional authority and deep respect not only in ecclesiastical circles but also in the public life of fellow Orthodox Georgia. As the sponsor at the baptism of a great many children, he became a true spiritual father to the entire pious Georgian people, who saw in him the wisdom of God (3 Kings 3:28). The departed Catholicos-Patriarch maintained traditionally good relations with our Church. […]During his many visits to the canonical territory of the Russian Church, he was invariably met with the most cordial reception and veneration from hierarchs, clergy, and numerous faithful. As the eldest among the Orthodox Primates, by his wise word, rich experience, deep church-mindedness, and high authority, he made a significant contribution to maintaining peace and the good order of the Holy Churches of God. We believe that his spiritual legacy will remain a reliable guide in our common Orthodox family, helping all of us to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:3). […]”
Embassies Offer Condolences
EU Delegation in Georgia: “We express deep sorrow for the passing of the spiritual father of Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II. We extend our sincere condolences to the Georgian Orthodox Church, the clergy, and the entire nation. His Holiness played a vital role in preserving national identity an d faith, and remained a unifying presence for the generations of believers.”
U.S. Embassy Tbilisi: “We extend our deepest condolences on the passing of His Holiness, Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia Ilia II. His life and tremendous legacy to his country will always be remembered. May he rest in peace.”
French Embassy Tbilisi: “The Embassy of France in Georgia extends its sincere condolences to the Georgian Orthodox Church and to the entire Georgian people following the passing of His Holiness and Beatitude, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi, and Metropolitan of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia, who was the 141st Primate of the Georgian Orthodox Church. During both the tragic periods of the country’s contemporary history and moments of joy, he proved to be a guide and a shepherd, a central figure who united Georgians by anchoring national unity in the long continuity of the Church. From the Soviet occupation to the restoration of national independence and up to the present day, he played an essential role in preserving the country’s cultural and spiritual identity. A pillar of exceptional wisdom for nearly half a century, His Holiness leaves behind a message of love and resilience, an unshakable faith, a spiritual revival, and nearly 50,000 godchildren. His life and path remain closely intertwined with that of contemporary Georgia. In times of transition as well as in periods of hardship, he stood as a figure of national independence, deeply committed to Georgia’s sovereignty. In this time of national mourning, France stands in brotherly solidarity with the grief of the Georgian people.”
Polish Embassy Tbilisi: “Polish Embassy in Tbilisi expresses its sincere condolences to the Georgian Orthodox Church and to the Georgian Nation on the passing of His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia and the Archbishop of Mtskheta and Tbilisi, Ilia II. His Holliness will be always remembered as the highest moral authority for the Georgians, the Father of the Nation and a symbol of survival in difficult times. May His Holliness Rest in Peace.”
Turkey in Georgia: “We express our deep sorrow over the passing of His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. His passing is a tremendous loss, as for many years he served as the spiritual father of the Georgian people and a pillar of peace, unity, and moral values. We extend our sincere condolences to the Georgian people, the Georgian Orthodox Church, and all those who mourn his death. In this time of grief, we express our heartfelt sympathy and solidarity.”
Embassy of Sweden in Georgia: “We express deep sorrow for the passing of the spiritual father of Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II. His Holiness legacy will remain as an enduring example of faith, love, and peace. We extend our sincere condolences to the Georgian Orthodox Church, the clergy, and the entire nation.”
Norwegian Embassy in Tbilisi: “The Norwegian Embassy in Tbilisi expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the Georgian Orthodox Church and to the people of Georgia during this time of mourning. Our thoughts are with all those who grieve this great loss.”
Italian Embassy in Tbilisi: “We express our deepest condolences to the Georgian people for the passing of His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, Catholicos and Patriarch of All Georgia, a point of reference for the community of the faithful and the spiritual leader of the country.”
Austrian Embassy Georgia: “Austrian Embassy in Tbilisi expresses its deep sorrow for the passing of His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II and extends its sincere condolences to all Orthodox Christians in Georgia and around the world.”
Gareth Ward, British Ambassador to Georgia: “His Holiness, Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, was the spiritual leader of Georgia for half a century. His unparalleled service had an immeasurable impact on the lives of the Georgian people and on the formation of the independent Georgian state. His meeting with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2011 was a remarkable event in the relations between our two countries. Today, we express our deep sorrow to the Georgian Orthodox Church and the Georgian people on the passing of His Holiness and Beatitude.”
Peter Fischer, Ambassador of Germany to Georgia: “My sincere condolences to the people of Georgia on the passing of His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. As spiritual father, he guided the nation through joy and sorrow. I learned that he knew Germany well. May His Holiness rest in peace.”
Matúš Bušovský, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to Georgia: “I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. I extend my sincere condolences to the Georgian Orthodox Church and the People of Georgia.”
Seyed Ali Moujani Ghomi, Ambassador of Iran to Georgia: “few minutes ago, I learned with deep sorrow of the passing of Georgia’s spiritual leader, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II. He was not only the head of the Georgian Orthodox Church, but also one of the key architects of modern Georgian identity, a figure who, with wisdom and patience, made a significant contribution to preserving Georgia’s historical, cultural and spiritual ties during the difficult years following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the transitional period. For the Iranian people as well, his name is associated with interreligious and intercivilizational friendship and dialogue. His historic visit to Iran and his meeting with the late Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, as well as his warm meetings with Georgians living in Iran, opened a new chapter in the cultural and spiritual relations between our two nations, a chapter based on mutual respect, faith and shared human heritage. Ilia II will remain in Georgia’s historical memory as a voice of faith, identity and solidarity. I extend my sincere condolences to the friendly Georgian nation, the faithful of the Georgian Orthodox Church and all those who supported him. I pray to the Almighty to grant eternal rest to the soul of this great spiritual leader.”
Foreign Officials React:
Gideon Sa’ar, Foreign Minister of Israel: “Saddened to learn about the passing away of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia ILIA II: a great leader, friend of Israel and the Jewish people.”
Baiba Braže, Foreign Minister of Latvia: “Saddened by the passing of His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. His lifelong devotion to faith, to unity and the spiritual strength, and better future for the Georgian people leaves an enduring legacy.”
Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan: “We were deeply saddened to receive the news of the passing of His Holiness Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II, an outstanding religious figure of our time. His Holiness Ilia II devoted his entire life and efforts to noble deeds for the sake of his people and humanity. Through his initiatives aimed at establishing peace, security, solidarity, and interfaith understanding and dialogue among peoples in the Caucasus, His Holiness Ilia II became enshrined in the hearts of millions, regardless of their national or religious affiliation, earning deep respect and sympathy. His Holiness Ilia II made significant contributions to the development and strengthening of the traditional ties of friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Georgia. Sharing the grief of this profound loss, I extend my deepest condolences to you, the entire Georgian people, and the Georgian Orthodox Church, both personally and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan.”
Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of Armenia: “I learned with deep sorrow of the death of Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II. During nearly half a century of his enthronement, Ilia II’s life and service symbolized the noble values of faith, patriotism, and friendship among nations. His unforgettable contribution to the development of spiritual life, the consolidation of society, and the strengthening of statehood will forever remain in everyone’s memory. On behalf of the people of Armenia and personally, I extend my sincere condolences to the Government of Georgia, the Georgian Orthodox Church, and the brotherly Georgian people, wishing them strength and resilience in this difficult time.”
More to follow…
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