EU expresses condolences on the death of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of All Georgia

The EU Delegation to Georgia has expressed “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,” the EU Delegation said in a Facebook post. “His Holiness played a vital role in preserving national identity and faith, and remained a unifying presence for the generations of believers.”

Ilia II died at the age of 93. He served as Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia from 25 December 1977 until his death in 2026. He was the longest-serving patriarch in the history of the Georgian Orthodox Church.

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Press release