Locum Tenens Shio: all Georgia mourns loss of our beloved spiritual father

The nation of Georgia, its people, and the Orthodox Church are in a state of profound mourning as they bid a final farewell to their beloved spiritual leader, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia.

During a moving ceremony at the Holy Trinity (Sameba) Cathedral, Metropolitan Shio, the Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne, delivered a heartfelt address marking the departure of the man who led the Georgian Church for decades.

In his address, Metropolitan Shio expressed the deep collective sorrow of the country, emphasising the spiritual void left by the passing of the Patriarch.

“All of Georgia mourns - our nation and the Church - as we bid farewell to our beloved spiritual father and leader from this earthly life, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi, and Metropolitan of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia”, he said.

He also extended gratitude to the visiting clergy and international guests who arrived in Georgia to offer their condolences and support.

“In these days of mourning, the arrival of the heads and delegations of local Orthodox Churches is a great comfort, spiritual support, and assistance to us. On behalf of the Georgian Orthodox Church and the nation, I thank each of you for coming and for sharing in our pain and sorrow”, Metropolitan Shio concluded.