Bidzina Ivanishvili: Patriarch Ilia II’s ideals will live forever in the nation’s hearts

During the funeral ceremony of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II, Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder and Honorary Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Sunday delivered a poignant tribute, hailing the late spiritual leader as a figure of rare greatness whose life was defined by total sacrifice for his country and people.

Addressing the nation and the gathered mourners, Ivanishvili emphasized that while the Patriarch has passed physically, his influence remains a permanent fixture of the Georgian identity.

“Such people are rarely born - people whose greatness is defined by their self-sacrifice for their country and people, and whose legacy is immortal, because great people do not go anywhere; they live on in our hearts and memories and will live forever, as long as we remain faithful to their ideals”, he said.

He reflected on the Patriarch’s spiritual influence and the lasting impact of his decades-long leadership of the Georgian Orthodox Church.

“In the years of His Holiness and Beatitude’s patriarchate, the Georgian Orthodox Church became a space where people once again found God, regained faith, peace, and a sense of unity. The words of the Catholicos-Patriarch became a source of comfort in difficult times, while his prayers became an invisible pillar and hope for our nation, for every child of this country, assuring us that not only will we survive, but we will prevail!” Ivanishvili noted.

Ivanishvili further stated that Ilia II’s life and service represented a mission that shaped the spiritual direction of generations and helped unite the nation for nearly half a century.

“The life of His Holiness and Beatitude was not only a personal spiritual choice, but a mission that defined the spiritual orientation of many generations - a path that united the entire nation for half a century. The precious fruits of his work and service have become our shared and solid foundation”, he concluded.