PM Kobakhidze: Ilia II turned Christian ideals into enduring strength for Georgians

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Saturday said Ilia II transformed Christian ideals into a lasting source of strength for the Georgian people, as the country unites in mourning his death.

Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Budapest, Kobakhidze paid tribute to the late Patriarch, who died three days ago after leading the Georgian Orthodox Church for 49 years.

“Today, all of Georgia is united in grief,” the Prime Minister said, noting that Ilia II had filled people’s hearts with love and, in return, received immense affection from the nation.

Kobakhidze described the Patriarch as a spiritual leader who remained firmly devoted to Georgian traditions and Christian morality, adding that beyond his religious role, he also served as a beacon of wisdom for the state.

He emphasised that during Ilia II’s tenure, the Church was not merely a religious institution, but also a guardian of Georgian statehood and national identity.

Calling for the preservation of the Patriarch’s legacy, Kobakhidze urged society to uphold the national and religious values that Ilia II had steadfastly defended.