Absence of Brussels condolences sparks controversy in Georgia

The lack of condolences from Brussels following the death of Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia Ilia II has drawn sharp criticism from political analyst Ghia Abashidze, who said it reveals the “true face of the Eurocracy.”

Abashidze argued that the European Union (EU) “does not stand with the people of Georgia but instead protects criminals and extremists in our country,” Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

He added, “It is good that the current cohort of Euro-bureaucrats has removed the false mask of ‘solidarity’ with our people themselves.”

Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, a central figure in the Georgian Orthodox Church, passed away on March 17 at the age of 93. His burial was held at Tbilisi’s Sioni Cathedral, which also houses the remains of eight previous patriarchs.

Ilia II was elected patriarch in 1977 by members of the Georgian Church Synod. During his long tenure, he played a key role in the revival and construction of churches and monasteries across Georgia, strengthened the church’s autocephaly, established spiritual educational institutions and gymnasiums, and oversaw the growth of dioceses, clergy, and the faithful.

By Vafa Guliyeva