President of Georgia: Patriarch Ilia taught us to love God and one another

President of Georgia in the Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi. Photo: UOJ

Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili delivered a speech at the funeral ceremony for Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II at the Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba) in Tbilisi.

The head of state described the era lived under Ilia II as “Patriarchal Georgia” and said His Holiness had united a Georgian’s civic duty and spiritual calling into a single whole.

“When despair reigned all around us, your calm voice brought us comfort and hope for salvation. You taught us that even in times of the greatest trials, the answer lies in faith in the Lord and love for one another,” Kavelashvili said.

The president called the departed Primate a unifier of the nation and highlighted his immeasurable contribution to preserving Georgian identity and culture. According to Kavelashvili, the Patriarch returned Georgians to their historical roots and convinced them that Georgian identity is not merely a matter of former glory, but a living spiritual force.

The head of state also struck a political note, saying that the farewell to the Patriarch had shown the whole world that no matter what pressure is brought to bear on Georgia, the Georgian people will not change.

“Even at the end of your earthly path, you taught us a great lesson – once again, you united us and reminded us of our true nature: love, humanity, and that unshakable unity which no earthly storm can destroy,” the president said.

As previously reported, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II reposed in the Lord on March 17, 2026, at the age of 93. He had led the Georgian Orthodox Church since 1977 – for nearly half a century. The funeral service is being held on March 22 at Sameba Cathedral, and the burial will take place at Tbilisi’s Sioni Cathedral. Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) has been confirmed as locum tenens of the Patriarchal Throne.

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