LAST UPDATE: 13.10
In a message to Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Chkhorotsku (Mujiri), Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne of Georgia, Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria, on behalf of the Holy Synod, clergy, and faithful of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, expressed heartfelt condolences and prayerful solidarity with the Patriarchate, clergy, and people of Georgia following news of Blessed Patriarch Ilia II’s peaceful repose.
The letter highlights Patriarch Ilia II as a guiding light, a devoted intercessor, a renewer of the ancient Georgian tradition, and a model of Orthodox life for all Orthodox Christians. It emphasizes his profound spiritual influence on the Church and the people of Georgia.
Subsequently, Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria performed a Trisagion for the repose of the soul of the blessed Patriarch of Georgia, Ilia II.
Read below the full text of the letter from Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria:
Upon learning of the peaceful passing of His Beatitude Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia, the Holy Synod, clergy, and Orthodox Christians of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church—Bulgarian Patriarchate wish to express our deepest condolences and prayers to the Hierarchical Body, devout clergy, and faithful people of our sister Georgian Orthodox Church.
The Angel of the Georgian Church was the pillar of unity for the Georgian people during some of the most turbulent and challenging moments in their recent history. He was a fervent intercessor and wise guide for his flock. He was a renovator of an ancient, millennial tradition. He was a gentle and affectionate father for Georgia. He patiently endured the trials of a long illness. He has passed through the “valley of weeping” (Psalm 83:7) and suffering to the heavenly thrones, “where there is no pain, nor sorrow, nor sighing, but life everlasting.”
For nearly half a century, from 1977 until now, he carried out the will of God by caring for the Orthodox Georgian people with such love and selflessness that he earned the respect and affection of his homeland’s people, as well as the admiration and reverent honor of us, his brethren from the local Orthodox churches. He supported, guided, and unified the Georgian people and was a radiant and inspiring example for all of us. He was a lamp that “lights up everyone” (Matthew 5:15), and he gave only good “out of the good treasure of his heart” (Luke 6:45). Patriarch Ilia II was truly a man of God!
We will never forget Patriarch Ilia II, but we will always remember his fraternal support of the canonical Bulgarian Orthodox Church under the leadership of the late Patriarch Maximus during the sorrowful schism in Bulgaria with deep emotion and gratitude. He never wavered from the truth, which he proclaimed with authentic, Christlike, self-sacrificing love.
May the Lord Jesus Christ grant rest to the soul of His blessed servant, Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of All Georgia, through the intercession of His Most Blessed Mother, the Most Holy Theotokos and Virgin Mary. May He forgive all his voluntary and involuntary sins and admit him into the dwellings of the righteous! May the Lord grant peace and consolation to the Georgian people and establish a worthy successor to Patriarch Ilia .
May God rest his soul. May he rest in eternal peace!
With our most sincere condolences and love in Christ,
Daniel
Patriarch of Bulgaria
