Azerbaijani Speaker expresses sorrow over passing of Georgian Catholicos

The Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Sahiba Gafarova, has conveyed her heartfelt condolences to her Georgian counterpart, Shalva Papuashvili, on the passing of the country’s spiritual leader, His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II.

The Azerbaijani official sent a letter expressing her deep sorrow following the death of the 93-year-old patriarch in Tbilisi the previous day, Caliber.Az reports citing AZERTAG.

In her message, Gafarova lauded the lifelong work of His Holiness Ilia II, highlighting his dedication to humanity, his efforts in promoting peace, solidarity, and interfaith dialogue across the Caucasus, as well as his significant contributions to strengthening friendly relations between the peoples of Azerbaijan and Georgia. She further emphasized that his work will always be remembered with respect.

The speaker also extended her condolences to Georgian MPs and the “friendly people of Georgia,” speaking on her own behalf as well as on behalf of the Azerbaijani Parliament.

Ilia II served as Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia since 1977, making him the longest-serving patriarch in the history of the Georgian Orthodox Church.

By Nazrin Sadigova