“This was an epoch-making individual. It is a great loss for the entire worldwide Orthodox Church,” said the Patriarchal locum tenens, Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri), regarding the passing of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II.

He extended condolences to all of Georgia on the Patriarch’s death.

“It is very difficult for me now to say what I must tell you. Just a few minutes ago, His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II, reposed in the Lord. He was an epoch-making figure. It is a tremendous loss for the entire Orthodox world. I would like to offer my condolences to every Georgian, to all of Georgia, to our Church, and to all of Christendom.

It is difficult to speak about him in just a few words, as we are speaking of such a great personality. Through his works, God led Georgia back to the true faith. He was a great builder of our Church, both literally and figuratively. Our grief today is immense. Once again, I extend my condolences to everyone, to all of Georgia.

When such great people leave us, there is also consolation in the fact that we have gained a heavenly protector - both the whole of Georgia and each of us individually - because he was, is, and will remain our father. Our entire conscious lives have passed during his era; we were raised by him, we are his children. May God strengthen us all.

I hope that his protection and prayers will continue and will further foster love among our people and strengthen our country, both spiritually and as a state. May God grant rest to his soul, and may his holy prayers help us all,” said Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri).