The Embassy of France in Georgia expressed condolences to the Georgian Orthodox Church and the people of Georgia on the passing of His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II.

The embassy statement reads:

“His Holiness leaves a message of love and steadfastness, unwavering faith, spiritual renaissance, and approximately 50,000 godchildren.

The Embassy of France in Georgia sincerely extends its condolences to the Georgian Orthodox Church and the Georgian people on the passing of His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Metropolitan of Mtskheta-Tbilisi and of Bichvinta and Abkhazia, the 141st head of the Georgian Church.

Through both tragic and joyful moments of the country’s modern history, he was the leader and shepherd of the Georgian people, a pivotal figure who united Georgians and established national unity throughout the long history of the Church. From the Soviet occupation to the restoration of national independence and even today, he played a crucial role in preserving the country’s cultural and spiritual identity. A pillar for the Georgian people for nearly half a century, and endowed with exceptional wisdom, His Holiness leaves a message of love and steadfastness, unwavering faith, spiritual renaissance, and around 50,000 godchildren.

His journey was closely intertwined with the life of modern Georgia. During transitional and challenging periods, he established himself as a figure of national independence, driven by deep loyalty to Georgia’s sovereignty. In this time of national mourning, France wholeheartedly joins the grief of the Georgian people.”

For reference, His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II, passed away at the age of 93. Following his passing, a period of mourning was declared in Georgia.