UK ambassador says Patriarch Ilia II shaped Georgia’s modern state

The British Ambassador to Georgia, Gareth Ward, has expressed deep condolences to the Georgian Orthodox Church and the Georgian people following the death of His Holiness, Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II.

In his statement on Wednesday, Ward said the Patriarch’s legacy had a profound impact on both the spiritual life of the nation and the development of Georgia’s independent state. “His Holiness Ilia II served as Georgia’s spiritual leader for half a century. His remarkable contribution had an immeasurable influence on the lives of the Georgian people and on the formation of the modern Georgian state,” he said.

The ambassador also recalled a significant moment in UK-Georgia relations, noting Patriarch Ilia II’s meeting with Queen Elizabeth II in 2011 as an important milestone between the two countries.

“We express our deepest condolences to the Georgian Orthodox Church and the Georgian people on the passing of His Holiness. May he rest in eternal peace,” Ward added.

Patriarch Ilia II, who led the Georgian Orthodox Church for decades, passed away on 17 March at the age of 93.