Speaking to journalists, Bishop Miqael of Khornabuji and Hereti said that he had known Patriarch Ilia II for 40 years and had seen nothing but goodness and love in him. He described the profound pain of his passing, but also the blessing of gaining an even stronger intercessor and caretaker for the Georgian people in heaven.

“The pain is immense. I’ve never seen such a person in my life. When you read about the holy fathers - their guidance, how they cared for people, how they held the Orthodox faith in their hearts - I saw this only in the Patriarch. I knew him for 40 years, and I’ve seen nothing but kindness and love. He always guided us with forgiveness and affection. We trusted him so much that we were glad to carry out everything he asked. The pain is very great, but we have gained in heaven an even stronger intercessor and caretaker for the Georgian people. He left quietly and peacefully, troubling no one. The Patriarch preached through his actions, and even in silence, he showed what an Orthodox Christian should be. In all my years, I never saw him judge anyone or speak ill of anyone. I hope that we all follow his example and fulfill the Patriarch’s wish for unity among our people and the strength of our state,” Bishop Miqael said.

Regarding the Patriarch’s will, Bishop Miqael said it remains a mystery.

“It is mysterious, and when it is revealed, everyone will see it. Of course, it exists, but we do not know its contents. It will be opened, and everyone will know,” he explained.

When asked whether it would be opened at the Synod session, he replied that he did not know:

“There is a question I can answer, and there is a question we all must wait for. Even I do not know. If I knew everything, then what would be left? God knows, and only later do we find out if He reveals it to us,” Bishop Miqael said.

For context, His Holiness Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of all Georgia, passed away at the age of 93, and a period of national mourning has been declared in Georgia.