UAE leaders extend condolences to Georgian authorities over passing of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II
Photo: Gulf News
Leaders of the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday extended condolences to the Georgian authorities over the death of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II.
His highness the president of the UAE, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, sent a letter of condolence to the Georgian president Mikheil Kavelashvili.
“His highness the vice president, prime minister and ruler of Dubai, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, as well as His highness the vice president, deputy prime minister and chair of the Presidential Court, Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, also sent letters of condolence to the Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze”, the statement said.
All News
18 March 2026, 20:56
Society
“May his memory be eternal” - Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew honours Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II
His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on Wednesday expressed condolences on the passing of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia, highlighting the strengthened ties between the Georgian Orthodox Church and the Church of Constantinople.
18 March 2026, 20:36
Society
Armenian President portrays Ilia II as enduring symbol of steadfast faith, national unity, solidarity
Armenian president Vahagn Khachaturyan on Wednesday sent a letter of condolence to his Georgian counterpart Mikheil Kavelashvili, following the death of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II.
18 March 2026, 17:05
Society
Georgian Government: State Commission to lead Patriarch funeral preparations
A working meeting was held on Wednesday at the government administration of Georgia to coordinate the organisational details for the funeral of His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia.
18 March 2026, 16:34
Society
Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia will be laid to rest at Tbilisi’s Sioni Cathedral on Sunday
The Catholicos-Patriarch of all Georgia Ilia II will be laid to rest at the Sioni Cathedral on Sunday, according to information released after a session of the Holy Synod.
18 March 2026, 15:35
Politics
Armenian PM: Ilia II’s nearly half-century leadership symbolised high spiritual values, patriotism, friendship between nations
Armenian prime minister Nikol Pashinyan on Wednesday sent a letter of condolence to his Georgian counterpart Irakli Kobakhidze, following the death of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II.
18 March 2026, 15:33
Society
Hungarian Ambassador pays tribute to Ilia II, highlights Patriarch's monumental role in Georgia’s spiritual life
Petra Ponevács-Pana, the Hungarian ambassador to Georgia, on Wednesday expressed her deep sorrow following the passing of His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia.
18 March 2026, 15:03
Society
Georgian PM says Patriarch’s death closes monumental chapter in Georgian Church and state history
Georgian prime minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday extended his deepest condolences to all of Georgia on the passing of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, stressing that the Patriarch’s contributions to preserving national identity, safeguarding traditions, and strengthening statehood were invaluable.
18 March 2026, 14:16
Society
Georgia mourns Patriarch Ilia II, President highlights his legacy in strengthening Church, calls his service invaluable
Georgian president Mikheil Kavelashvili on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II.
18 March 2026, 13:47
Society
EU delegation: Patriarch Ilia II played vital role in preserving Georgia’s national identity, faith
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.
18 March 2026, 13:42
Society
Georgian FM remembers Patriarch Ilia II as nation’s “spiritual pillar and conscience”
Georgian foreign minister Maka Botchorishvili on Wednesday said His Holiness, Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia Ilia II was not only a Patriarch, but also the spiritual pillar and conscience of the Georgian nation.
18 March 2026, 13:40
Society
Ilia II to be moved to Holy Trinity Cathedral in foot procession, Georgian Patriarchate says
According to the Public Relations Service of the Georgian Patriarchate, a ceremonial procession will begin today at 16:00, transferring His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II to the Holy Trinity Cathedral.
18 March 2026, 13:00
Society
Azerbaijani President says “deeply saddened” to receive news of passing of Patriarch Ilia II
Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev on Wednesday expressed deep sadness over the passing of His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II.
18 March 2026, 12:59
Society
US Embassy in Georgia expresses condolences on passing of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II
The Embassy of the United States in Georgia on Wednesday extended deepest condolences on the passing of His Holiness, Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia Ilia II.
18 March 2026, 12:36
Society
Patriarch Ilia II remembered worldwide for spiritual leadership
The passing of His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II, has sparked an outpouring of condolences from world leaders, diplomats, and religious figures across the globe, underscoring his profound spiritual authority and the deep international respect he commanded.
18 March 2026, 12:20
Society
Georgian Parliament Speaker: Georgia has lost its spiritual father
Georgia has lost its spiritual father, His Holiness Patriarch Ilia II, who dedicated every moment of his life to serving Christ, protecting the nation, and caring for his flock, said on Wednesday the Georgian Parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili.
18 March 2026, 11:53
Society
Bidzina and Ekaterina Ivanishvili: Ilia II’s name long stood for faith, tradition, national identity
For half a century, the name of Ilia II was firmly associated with the protection of faith, traditions, and national identity. With his passing, an era has come to an end - that of a spiritual leader who guided the nation to safety on numerous occasions, said on Wednesday Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder and Honorary Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party, and his spouse Ekaterina Ivanishvili in a letter.
17 March 2026, 23:48
Society
Georgian Gov't declares national mourning following passing of Patriarch Ilia II
The government of Georgia has officially declared a period of national mourning following the passing of the Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II.
17 March 2026, 23:09
Society
Georgian Patriarch Ilia II passes away at 93
Ilia II, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, has died at the age of 93. The information was officially confirmed to the media by the Patriarch’s locum tenens, Shio Mujiri.
17 March 2026, 22:00
Politics
Georgian Parliament official: Georgia properly enforcing sanctions, will continue compliance
Levan Makhashvili, the chair of the Georgian Parliament’s European integration committee, on Tuesday said Georgia has been applying the international sanctions regime properly and intends to keep doing so.