The Sovereign Military Order of the Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem, Rhodes and Malta (Order of Malta) expressed its heartfelt condolences on the passing of His Holiness Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II, to the Patriarchal Throne and to Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) of Senaki and Chkhorotsku.

“Your Eminence, I have received with profound sorrow the news of the death of His Holiness Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia, a revered spiritual father and guiding light for the Georgian people. Since his long and dedicated ministry began in 1977, His Holiness has led the Church with wisdom and unwavering devotion, steadfastly guiding it through times of hardship and nurturing its spiritual renewal.

On behalf of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to you, the Holy Synod, and all the faithful. Please know that you are in our prayers during this time of mourning.

I entrust the soul of the departed Patriarch to the mercy of the Lord, praying that all who grieve him may find solace and peace,” the letter concludes, signed by Emmanuel Rousseau, Grand Commander of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.