Georgian PM: we bid farewell to Patriarch who laid foundations for Church’s golden era of revival

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has paid tribute to Ilia II, saying the late Patriarch laid the foundations for a “golden era” in the revival of the Georgian Orthodox Church.

Speaking at the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, Kobakhidze said Georgia was bidding farewell to a spiritual leader who devoted his entire life to serving both the Church and the nation.

“Today marks the end of a great era,” he said, adding that the country was united in grief over the loss of its “beloved Patriarch and spiritual father”.

Kobakhidze noted that Ilia II’s leadership coincided with a period of cultural revival, which he said the Patriarch transformed into a strengthening of Christian faith and spiritual life.

“We bid farewell to the Patriarch who laid the foundation for the golden age of our Mother Church’s revival,” he said.

The Prime Minister added that the sense of loss was profound, evoking what he described as a feeling of being orphaned, but said faith offered consolation.

“The only thing that can ease this feeling is the belief that His Holiness remains with us and, from the heavenly Georgia, will strengthen our homeland and our Church through his prayers,” Kobakhidze said.

He concluded by thanking Ilia II for his lifelong service, immense contribution and boundless love, expressing hope that his legacy would endure in the memory of the nation.