Georgian Patriarch Ilia II: sacrifice of WWII must remind humanity of need for peace

Ilia II, the Catholicos Patriarch of Georgia’s Orthodox Christian Church, on Friday marked the 80th anniversary of the victory over fascism with a message urging global unity and a renewed commitment to peace in the face of modern challenges.

In a social media post, Patriarch Ilia II emphasised the enduring significance of the struggle against fascism and called on the world to draw lessons from the past in order to preserve peace today.

“I congratulate everyone on the 80th anniversary of the victory over fascism. This day encompasses and unites countless examples of extraordinary heroism and perseverance displayed by many during World War II. It was precisely this dedication - and, of course, God’s help - that led to the victory over evil through united forces, making this date significant for all”, the Patriarch said.

“However, this victory came at a great cost - cities, villages, churches, historical monuments, and works of art were destroyed… and most tragically, the number of deaths reached 61 million; amongst them, more than 300,000 soldiers were lost in Georgia alone”, he continued.

He also reflected on how the postwar period gave rise to new international alliances aimed at maintaining peace, including the founding of the European Union, which shared its symbolic origin with the anniversary.

“Today, as the world faces numerous complex challenges, the immense sacrifice and suffering of 80 years ago should once again remind everyone of the need to care for peace, so that the painful lessons of the past do not turn into even greater suffering for humanity. It is well known that peace was established following World War II, and relations and friendships between nations entered a new phase. The European Union was also created to ensure peace, and it was precisely on this day, in 1950, that its foundation was laid”, the Patriarch noted.

The Patriarch extended congratulations to veterans and EU members and candidate countries on this dual commemoration.

“We congratulate the member and candidate countries of the European Union on the anniversary of their union, and to all - especially veterans - we extend congratulations on the celebration of victory. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification (Romans 14:19). May God bless Georgia and the whole world”, he concluded.