The European Union delegation to Georgia on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow over the passing of His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II.

“We express deep sorrow for the passing of the spiritual father of Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II.

We extend our sincere condolences to the Georgian Orthodox Church, the clergy, and the entire nation.

His Holiness played a vital role in preserving national identity and faith, and remained a unifying presence for the generations of believers”, - reads the statement.