USCIRF Chair extends heartfelt condolences to Georgian people
WASHINGTON, DC - January 18: Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-MO) speaks at a news conference announcing a new division on Conscience and Religious Freedom at the Department of Health and Human Services January 18, 2018 in Washington, DC. The new division, part of the department's Office of Civil Rights, will aide medical professionals who object to certain procedures on religious grounds. (Photo by Aaron P. Bernstein/Getty Images)
Chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Vicky Hartzler, extended condolences to the Georgian people over the death of Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II.
“We are very saddened to hear this sad news. This is a great loss for the Autocephalous Orthodox Church and all believers. My heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the Ambassador, Embassy and entire Georgian nation,” 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.