“May his memory be eternal” - Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew honours Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II

His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on Wednesday expressed condolences on the passing of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia, highlighting the strengthened ties between the Georgian Orthodox Church and the Church of Constantinople.

Patriarch Bartholomew sent a letter to the Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church and personally officiated a memorial service at the Patriarchal Church of St. George.

In his letter, the Ecumenical Patriarch emphasised Ilia II’s fatherly care for the faithful and his profound relationship with the people of Georgia.

“To the Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Regarding the passing of the unforgettable leader of the Georgian Orthodox Church, the late Ilia II, we remember his fatherly love for the faithful nation and the friendly country of Georgia, his long and blessed patriarchate, during which the Georgian people’s sincere love and deep respect for his worthy person were evident. During his tenure, relations between the Georgian Orthodox Church and the Church of Constantinople were particularly strengthened”, he said.

Bartholomew expressed both personal condolences and those of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to the Georgian Orthodox Church.

“On behalf of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and personally, we express our condolences to the Georgian Orthodox Church and its faithful flock. May the memory of the blessed Patriarch, our brother and fellow sufferer, Ilia II, be eternal and unforgettable”, the Ecumenical Patriarch concluded.