Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally extended condolences to the Georgian Orthodox Church, parishioners, and the population of Georgia in connection with passing away Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II.

Archbishop of Canterbury, the Right Reverend David Hamid, will represent her and the Church of England at the funeral.

“It is with continued sorrow that we remember His Holiness Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, on the eve of his funeral.

I assure the Hierarchs and faithful of the Georgian Orthodox Church, and the people of Georgia, of my prayers at this time of mourning. I have written privately to the Chancellor to convey my condolences on behalf of the Church of England.

I am grateful that the Right Reverend David Hamid will represent me and the Church of England at the funeral, as we stand in prayerful solidarity with all who grieve. May the Lord grant him rest and let light perpetual shine upon him,” she 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.

It is with continued sorrow that we remember His Holiness Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, on the eve of his funeral.

I assure the Hierarchs and faithful of the Georgian Orthodox Church, and the people of Georgia, of my prayers at this time of mourning. I have… pic.twitter.com/5CBGtRVeNE

— Archbishop of Canterbury (@ArchbishopSarah) March 21, 2026