Hungarian Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjén has sent a letter of condolence to the Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne, Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Chkhorotsku (Mujiri), on the repose of His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia.

Zsolt Semjén expressed his grief at the passing of Patriarch Ilia II, noting that “Christians worldwide regarded him as a beacon of faith and spirituality, and a true pillar of the Georgian nation.”

The letter reads:
“Your Eminence, it was with profound sorrow that I learned of the repose in the Lord of His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia and Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Government of Hungary.

On a personal note, I recall with deep gratitude the audience graciously granted to me in Tbilisi in 2023 by His late Holiness and Beatitude, and the honour of receiving his blessing on behalf of the Hungarian people.

Without question, Christians around the world regarded him as a shining beacon of faith and spirituality, and a steadfast pillar of the Georgian nation.

Christianity, and Europe in particular, stands in genuine need of the mission of the Georgian Orthodox Church in strengthening faith and establishing peace. I pray that the Lord may grant Your Eminence and the members of the Holy Synod the strength and wisdom to discern and follow God’s will for the Church of Georgia at this singular moment in history. Please accept, Your Eminence, the assurance of my deepest respect.”