We express our deepest condolences to the fraternal Georgian Apostolic Orthodox Church on the passing of its blessed Patriarch, Ilia II. He was a man of faith, virtue, education, and unwavering faith in Christ, - reads a condolence letter from His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem and All Palestine.

The condolence letter notes that due to the war situation in the region, His Beatitude Theophilos III will not be able to attend the funeral of Ilia II in person.

“With the present Patriarchal Letter, we express our deepest condolences to the fraternal Georgian Apostolic Orthodox Church on the passing of its its blessed Patriarch Ilia II. He was a man of faith, virtue, education, and unwavering faith in Christ.

The Church, although mourning in a human way, still rejoices spiritually in the hope of the Resurrection.

Our beloved brother became a symbol of the unity of his people. He served the church entrusted to him with wisdom, peace, and fatherly care, thus becoming an example of a good shepherd, according to the word of the Lord: "The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (John 10:11).

At this time, Holy Zion, the Mother of the Churches, sympathizes with your All-Holy Hierarchy and the entire parish of the Georgian Church with fraternal love and prayer. We pray to the God of peace, “who gives peace to those far and near” (Is. 57:19; Eph. 2:17), to strengthen you and comfort the hearts of all.

Due to the current state of war in our region, we are unable to attend in person, which is why we are sending our representative, His Holiness Archbishop Nektarios of Anthedonos, our Patriarchal Epitropos in Constantinople.

In addition to all this, we once again express our deepest condolences to the esteemed members of the Holy Synod and the entire congregation of the Holy Church of Georgia”, reads the letter.