Bulgarian primate expresses condolences over death of Patriarch Ilia

Bulgarian Primate served a memorial service for the reposed Patriarch Ilia II. Photo: bg-patriarshia.bg

The head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church expressed condolences on behalf of the Holy Synod, the clergy, and all the faithful of Bulgaria, calling the late Patriarch “a pillar of unity for the Georgian people during some of the most pivotal and difficult moments in their modern history.”

In his message, Patriarch Daniel described Ilia II as “an angel of the Georgian Church,” a fervent man of prayer, a wise shepherd of his flock, and “a restorer and renewer of its ancient millennial tradition.” According to the Bulgarian primate, the Georgian Patriarch earned “the respect and love of all people in his earthly homeland, as well as the admiration and reverence of all of us – his brothers and sisters from the Local Orthodox Churches.”

The Bulgarian Patriarch placed special emphasis on Ilia II’s steadfast defense of canonical Orthodoxy. “We will never forget, but will always remember with emotion and gratitude, the brotherly support of Patriarch Ilia II for the canonical Bulgarian Orthodox Church, led by the ever-memorable Bulgarian Patriarch Maxim, during the sorrowful schism in Bulgaria,” the primate said. The head of the Bulgarian Church testified that the late Patriarch “never betrayed the truth, which he always proclaimed with sincere, Christ-like, and sacrificial love.”

Patriarch Daniel called the departed hierarch “a lamp giving light to all,” because “from the good treasure of his heart he brought forth only good.” He said Ilia II was “the gentle and loving father of Georgia, who bore the sufferings of a long illness without complaint,” and had passed from the valley of tears into eternal life. “Patriarch Ilia II was truly a man of God,” the Bulgarian primate said.

On March 18, Patriarch Daniel served a memorial service for the newly reposed head of the Georgian Church at the cathedral in Sofia.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Bulgarian Patriarch had prayed for reconciliation between Ukraine and Russia.

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