“In the person of His Beatitude, our country and our people have lost a steadfast pillar of peace, wisdom, and faith - a spiritual father who, even in the most difficult times, instilled hope and united our people,” говорится in a condolence letter by the honorary chairman of Georgian Dream, Bidzina Ivanishvili, and his wife Ekaterina Ivanishvili.

They also note that Georgia has lost an exceptional figure distinguished by paternal care, who guided every individual toward a better path through both word and deed.

“We feel immeasurable pain and sorrow over the passing of the spiritual father of Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II.

We extend our condolences to the Georgian Orthodox Church on this great loss.

Of course, we also extend our condolences to all of Georgia, to every Georgian, to the entire nation, because in His Holiness we have lost a firm pillar of peace, wisdom, and faith - a spiritual father who, even in the most difficult times, instilled hope and united our people.

Georgia has lost an extraordinary individual, distinguished by paternal care, who inspired each person toward improvement through his words and actions.

His life and work were, are, and will remain a symbol of devotion and selfless service to his people and country.

For half a century, the name of Ilia II has been firmly associated with the protection of faith, traditions, and national identity. With his passing, an era has ended in the history of our country - an era of a man who honorably and tirelessly fulfilled the difficult, responsible, and at the same time honorable mission of being the spiritual father of Georgia.

An era has ended of a leader who led us to safety many times and left a special light in the heart of every citizen of our country.

His kindness, wisdom, and words will always remain in our memory as an example of what true humility and love for people and homeland mean.

Once again, we extend our condolences to all of Georgia, we share this great sorrow, and we pray for the repose of his soul.

Eternal memory to His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II,” the letter by Bidzina Ivanishvili and Ekaterina Ivanishvili states.

For reference, His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II, passed away at the age of 93.