King Charles III of the United Kingdom has expressed his condolences on the death of Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia.

In his letter of condolence, King Charles extended his sincere sympathies to the clergy of the Georgian Orthodox Church, the faithful, and all those mourning the Patriarch’s passing.

“It is with deep sorrow that I learned of the passing of His Holiness Ilia II, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. He will forever be remembered as a man who dedicated his life to the Georgian Orthodox Church, providing spiritual guidance and devoted service to the Georgian people. His work was characterized by wisdom and high moral authority, earning him great respect both in Georgia and abroad.

His Holiness’s visit and meeting with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2011 exemplified the warm and mutually respectful relations between our churches and peoples. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the clergy and faithful of the Georgian Orthodox Church, as well as to all who mourn his loss,” the letter to the Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church reads.