“We express our deep sorrow over the passing of the spiritual father of Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II,” it is stated in a statement released by the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia.
“We extend our condolences to the Orthodox Church, the clergy, and the people of Georgia.
His Holiness played a special role in preserving national identity and faith and remained a symbol of unity for believers,” the statement reads.
