The Patriarch of Russia, Kirill, patriarchia.ru/article/120201">issued a letter of condolences regarding the passing of the Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia, Ilia II.

“With deep sorrow, I received the news of the death of my dear brother and fellow servant, His Holiness and Beatitude, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II. On behalf of the Russian Orthodox Church and personally, I express my sincere condolences for the severe loss suffered by the Georgian Orthodox Church,” the Patriarch of Russia wrote.

Patriarch Kirill notes that “the Almighty Lord granted the Church of Old Iveria a Patriarch who devoted his entire life tirelessly to its well-being.”

“The nearly fifty-year patriarchate of His Holiness Ilia became a landmark epoch in the life of the Georgian Church and the entire Orthodox world. Through his devoted service and unique wisdom, he earned special authority and deep respect not only in ecclesiastical life but also in public life. As godfather to countless children, he became the true spiritual father of the devout Georgian people,” writes Patriarch Kirill.

The Patriarch of Russia also emphasizes that the Catholicos-Patriarch maintained traditionally good relations with the Russian Orthodox Church.

“Having been educated in Moscow’s theological schools, he preserved throughout his life a love for Saint Sergius and his monastery. By Christ’s blessing, he considered it essential to maintain the spiritual unity of our peoples. As the senior among Orthodox leaders, he contributed significantly to peace and well-being in the Churches through his wise counsel, experience, profound ecclesiastical life, and high authority. Personally, we shared a warm and trusting relationship, which allowed us to exchange views and objectively assess the development of church-state relations in the Soviet Union. This trust helped us work together to alleviate the pressure from godless authorities and improve the condition of Orthodox Churches in our then-united country. May the Lord Jesus Christ grant eternal rest in the heavenly abode to the soul of His faithful servant,” states Patriarch Kirill.