Armenia’s parliament speaker sends condolences over death of Patriarch Ilia II

Shalva Papuashvili, Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, has received a letter of condolence from Alen Simonyan, Speaker of Armenia’s National Assembly, following the death of His Holiness, Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II.

Simonyan expressed deep sorrow, describing Ilia II as a pillar of faith and a source of wisdom for the Georgian people and state. “On behalf of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, and in my own name, I extend sincere condolences to you and your colleagues in the Parliament of Georgia,” he wrote.

“Patriarch Ilia II was a support of faith and a great source of wisdom for the Georgian people and the state. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the statement added.

Patriarch Ilia II, who led the Georgian Orthodox Church for decades, passed away on 17 March at the age of 93. His funeral will be held at Sioni Cathedral in Tbilisi on 22 March, during a period of national mourning.