Tbilisi mayor calls late Patriarch Ilia II a symbol of national unity

Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze has described His Holiness, Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, as “and remains a symbol of the unity of the nation” during a municipal government meeting.

Kaladze, together with members of the city government, observed a moment of silence to honor the Patriarch’s memory.

“Today, all of Georgia mourns the death of our spiritual father - a man whose contributions to the country and its people are invaluable. His life was a remarkable example of love, humility, patience, and devoted service. Ilia II was and remains a symbol of national unity, and his passing leaves a profound and enduring wound for Georgia and his spiritual children,” Kaladze said.

The mayor highlighted the Patriarch’s “key role” in the restoration and strengthening of the Georgian Orthodox Church. “His Holiness Ilia II was able, after decades of Bolshevik oppression, to gradually restore and strengthen the Georgian Orthodox Church and elevate spirituality among the people. Under his leadership, the Patriarchate of Georgia became not only a center of spiritual life but also a key institution in shaping national consciousness and promoting Georgian culture,” Kaladze added.