President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko offered his condolences to Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili over the death of Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II.

According to the Presidential Administration, in his condolence letter, the President of Belarus expresses deep sorrow and remarks that Ilia II dedicated his life to high ideals, serving both his people and humanity.

“With deep sorrow, we heard about the passing away of the outstanding Georgian religious and public figure, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II. His Holiness and Beatitude dedicated his life to high ideals, serving both his people and humanity. With his initiatives aimed at strengthening peace, security, friendship, and religious understanding, the Patriarch has earned a special place in the hearts of millions of people, regardless of their nationality or faith.

With years of service, His Holiness Ilia II strengthened the Georgian Orthodox Church and contributed to the reconstruction and reopening of hundreds of churches and monasteries. I offer my heartfelt condolences to you, the Georgian Orthodox Church and the Georgian people. Forever tribute to this outstanding spiritual figure who left a deep trace in the history of his country and the Orthodox world,” he said.

Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II passed away on March 17 at the age of 93.

Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, will be laid to rest on Sunday, March 22, in the Sioni Cathedral.