“May the memory of the blessed Patriarch, our brother and concelebrant, Ilia II, be eternal and immortal,” said His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

According to the Ecumenical Patriarch, during Ilia II’s patriarchate, relations between the Georgian Orthodox Church and the Church of Constantinople were significantly strengthened.

“We express our deep condolences on the passing of the unforgettable leader of the Holy Church of Georgia, His Holiness Ilia II—taking into account the fatherly love he held for the pious Georgian people and friendly nation, as well as the sincere love and profound respect that the Georgian people had for his esteemed person.

During his long and blessed patriarchate, the relationship between the Holy Church of Georgia and the Church of Constantinople was uniquely strengthened, toward which he held deep respect and gratitude. We extend our condolences and personal sorrow to the Holy Church of Georgia and its faithful flock. We pray wholeheartedly for the repose of his soul in the land of the living and among the righteous, and that the Builder and Head of the Church may grant a worthy successor.

May the memory of the blessed Patriarch, our brother and concelebrant, Ilia II, be eternal and immortal,” the statement reads.