The Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Daniel of Romania, expressed his condolences over the death of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II, and published a letter of condolence.

“It is with deep sorrow that we received the news about the passing from this world of our beloved brother in Christ, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II of blessed memory, a venerable personality of contemporary Orthodoxy and a steadfast confessor of the faith, who shepherded with wisdom the Orthodox Church of Georgia during periods of both trial and renewal.

On behalf of the hierarchs, clergy, and faithful of the Romanian Orthodox Church, we extend condolences to the members of the Holy Synod and to the entire Georgian Orthodox Church.

At the same time, we pray to our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is 'the Resurrection and the Life' (John 11, 25), to rest to the soul of Patriarch Ilia II in the dwelling places of His beloved saints, where there is no pain, nor sorrow, nor sighing, but life everlasting.

May his memory be eternal from generation to generation!” the letter states.

For reference, His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II, passed away at the age of 93.