King Charles III of the United Kingdom has expressed his condolences following the death of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II.
In a letter addressed to the Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church, the British monarch extended his sincere sympathies to the clergy, the faithful, and all those mourning the Patriarch’s passing.
“It is with deep sorrow that I learned of the passing of His Holiness Ilia II, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. He will forever be remembered as a man who dedicated his life to the Georgian Orthodox Church, providing spiritual guidance and devoted service to the Georgian people,” King Charles III stated.
The King emphasized that Ilia II’s service was marked by wisdom and a profound moral authority, which earned him widespread respect both within Georgia and internationally.
“His work was characterized by wisdom and high moral authority, earning him great respect both in Georgia and abroad,” the letter reads.
King Charles III also recalled the Patriarch’s historic meeting with Queen Elizabeth II in 2011, noting that the encounter reflected the warm and mutually respectful relations between the two nations and their churches.
“His Holiness’s visit and meeting with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2011 exemplified the close and respectful ties between our churches and peoples,” the King noted.
Concluding his message, the British monarch expressed heartfelt condolences to the Georgian Orthodox Church and all those grieving the loss of Ilia II.
The Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II, passed away at the age of 93. A nationwide day of mourning has been declared in Georgia in connection with his death. He will be laid to rest today, March 22, at the Sioni Cathedral in Tbilisi.
