Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sent a letter of condolence to Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze following the death of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II.
Government Administration says the Turkish President extended his condolences to the Prime Minister, the Georgian Orthodox Church, and the Georgian people.
“Dear Prime Minister, I learned with great sadness that His Holiness, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II, passed away on the night of March 17. On behalf of the Turkish people and myself, I express my sincere condolences to the family of the deceased, Your Excellency, the Orthodox Church, and the Georgian people,” Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in his message.
Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, passed away at the age of 93.
A national day of mourning has been declared in Georgia in connection with his passing. The Patriarch will be laid to rest at Sioni Cathedral on Sunday, March 22.
