Hungarian Deputy PM: Christians around world regarded Patriarch Ilia II as beacon of faith and spirituality, true pillar of Georgian nation

Hungarian deputy prime minister Zsolt Semjén on Wednesday shared his deep sorrow over the loss of His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II.

Mourning the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Semjén honored the memory of the long-serving Archbishop of Mtskheta and Tbilisi, noting the significant impact of his spiritual leadership.

“Personally, I remember with gratitude the privilege of having been received by His late Holiness and Beatitude in Tbilisi in 2023, and having received his blessing for the entire Hungarian Nation. It is true that Christians from all over the world regarded him as a beacon o f faith and spirituality, a true pillar of the Georgian Nation”, Semjén said.

“Christianity, indeed, especially Europe, needs the mission o f the Georgian Orthodox Church for strengthening the faith and promoting peace. I pray the Lord to give Your Eminence and to the Members o f the Holy Synod the strength and wisdom t o follow the will of God for the Church o f Georgia in this special moment of history.Please, Eminence, accept the expressions of my consideration and esteem”, he noted.