Serbia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs has sent a letter of condolence to his Georgian counterpart Maka Botchorishvili, expressing deep sorrow over the passing of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia.

“Your Excellency, I learned with deep sorrow about the passing of His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II.

On behalf of the Serbian ministry of foreign affairs and personally on my own behalf, allow me to express my sincere condolences and ask you to convey our deepest sympathy to the Patriarchal Throne of Georgia, the Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church, the clergy, the monastic community and the fraternal Georgian people.

Patriarch Ilia II would always be remembered for his spiritual mission, his dedication to faith, peace, and unity, and his tireless efforts to promote mutual understanding, solidarity, and the preservation of spiritual values.

In this difficult time, the Serbian people share your grief and express deep solidarity with the Georgian people. Please accept, once again my highest consideration and heartfelt condolences”, - writes Marko Đurić.