Belarusian President honours Ilia II’s lifelong service to faith, humanity

Belarusian president Aleksandr Lukashenko on Friday extended his condolences to Georgian president Mikheil Kavelashvili following the passing of Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II, honouring his lifelong service to faith and humanity.

In a letter, Lukashenko described Ilia II as an outstanding religious and public figure whose legacy extended beyond Georgia.

“With deep sorrow we learnt of the passing of the outstanding Georgian religious and public figure, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II. His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II devoted his entire life to high ideals, serving not only his own people but all of humanity. Through his initiatives aimed at strengthening peace, security, friendship, and interfaith mutual understanding, the Patriarch secured a special place in the hearts of millions of people, regardless of their nationality and religious affiliation”, he said.

He also noted the Patriarch’s contribution to strengthening the Georgian Orthodox Church, including the restoration and construction of churches and monasteries across the country.

“The many years of service by His Holiness Ilia II strengthened the Georgian Orthodox Church and contributed to the restoration and opening of hundreds of churches and monasteries”, the president noted.

“We extend our sincere condolences to you, the Georgian Orthodox Church, and the entire Georgian people. Eternal memory to this outstanding spiritual figure, who left a profound mark on the history of his country and the Orthodox world”, Lukashenko concluded.