Georgian Parliament Speaker: Georgia has lost its spiritual father

Georgia has lost its spiritual father, His Holiness Patriarch Ilia II, who dedicated every moment of his life to serving Christ, protecting the nation, and caring for his flock, said on Wednesday the Georgian Parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili.

In a social media message, Papuashvili noted that through the Patriarch’s heavenly prayers and blessings, the Georgian people and their homeland would continue to be protected and blessed, along with the Georgian Orthodox Church, to whose revival Ilia II devoted his entire life.

“Georgia has lost its spiritual father, our most holy Patriarch, who dedicated every minute and second of his life to the service of Christ, the defense of the homeland, and the care of his flock”, the speaker said.

He highlighted that Patriarch Ilia II led the 2,000-year-old Georgian Church for half a century, helping restore faith during the atheist Soviet era and reigniting religious belief among Georgians. Through his work and prayers, the Church experienced a significant revival.

“He highlighted that Patriarch Ilia II led the 2,000-year-old Georgian Church for half a century, helping restore faith during the atheist Soviet era and reigniting religious belief among Georgians. Through his work and prayers, the Church experienced a significant revival”, he continued.

Papuashvili added that the Patriarch has now joined the ranks of Georgia’s revered ancestors, while his legacy and words will continue to live on among the people.

“We are his generation - baptized, blessed, and guided by him”, he noted, expressing confidence that Ilia II’s spiritual influence will continue to bless the country, its people, and the Church he helped restore.