Bulgarian Orthodox Church mourns death of Georgian Patriarch Ilia II

The Bulgarian Orthodox Church has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia.

The Church on Wednesday noted that Ilia II passed away in Tbilisi after being transferred to the Caucasus Medical Centre due to a deterioration in his health. It described him as the spiritual father of the Georgian nation and extended condolences to the Georgian people.

The Bulgarian Orthodox Church also highlighted the Patriarch’s close ties with Bulgaria, recalling that his first official visit to the country took place in May 1979.

Ilia II died on March 17 at the age of 93.