Erdoğan offers condolences to Georgia over death of Patriarch Ilia II

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has extended his condolences to Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze following the death of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II.

In a message addressed to the prime minister, Erdoğan expressed sympathy to the Georgian Orthodox Church and the people of Georgia over the passing of the long-serving religious leader, Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media.

“Dear Prime Minister, I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of His Holiness, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II, on the night of March 17. On behalf of the Turkish nation and myself, I wish to express my sincere condolences to the family of the deceased, Your Excellency, the Orthodox Church, and the Georgian people,” said Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

The statement was released by the prime minister’s press service.

Ilia II died on March 17 at the age of 93. The Catholicos-Patriarch is scheduled to be laid to rest on Sunday, March 22, at Sioni Cathedral.

By Sabina Mammadli