The British Embassy in Georgia expressed deep condolences on the passing of His Holiness and Beatitude, Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of all Georgia, in a video message delivered in Georgian by the UK Ambassador, Gareth Ward.

“His Holiness, Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of all Georgia, was the spiritual leader of Georgia for half a century. His unparalleled service had an immeasurable influence on the lives of the Georgian people and on the establishment of an independent Georgian state. His 2011 meeting with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a particularly significant event in the relations between our countries. Today, we express our deepest condolences to the Georgian Orthodox Church and to the Georgian people on the passing of His Holiness and Beatitude. May the Lord grant him eternal repose,” the ambassador stated.

For context, His Holiness Ilia II passed away at the age of 93, and a period of national mourning has been declared in Georgia. By government order, state flags were lowered on administrative buildings across the country.