Council of Europe honours late Patriarch Ilia II by lowering European flag to half-mast

The European flag in front of the Council of Europe headquarters in Strasbourg has been lowered to half-mast following the passing of His Holiness Ilia II, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia.

The decision was made by the secretary general of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, as a sign of respect and solidarity with the Georgian people during this period of national mourning.

Ilia II, who led the Georgian Orthodox Church for decades, was widely regarded as a deeply influential spiritual leader both within Georgia and internationally. His passing marks the end of an era for the country and the Orthodox Christian world.