“The era of the Patriarch's Georgia”: Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili bids farewell to Patriarch Ilia II

In a deeply emotional address at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the president of Georgia Mikheil Kavelashvili on Sunday paid tribute to the late Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II during his funeral ceremony. Speaking before a mourning nation and international dignitaries, the president described the Patriarch as the “immortal soul” and the “unwavering guardian” of Georgian unity.

Kavelashvili emphasised that the Holy Trinity Cathedral itself stands as a symbol of the nation’s spiritual revival, statehood, and eternity - all of which were inextricably linked to the Patriarch’s 47-year leadership.

“Today, here in this magnificent Cathedral, which is a symbol of our statehood’s revival, the strength of our nation, and its eternity, Georgia bows before the immortal soul of its Patriarch, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II”, he said.

The president noted that Ilia II symbolised the unity of Georgia, combining spiritual leadership with a strong sense of civic responsibility.

“Today we are looking squarely at an era that we can boldly call the Georgia of the Patriarch. Your Holiness, your work united a Georgian’s civic duty and spiritual mission into one whole.
It is this path that defined our national identity and showed us how to partake in the grace of drawing closer to the Lord. After the restoration of independence, when our country was going through the most severe trials, you were the main pillar of the nation. When despair reigned around us, your calm voice became a source of comfort and hope for survival. You taught us that even in the greatest trials, the path forward lies in faith in God and love for one another,” said the President of Georgia”, Kavelashvili noted.

He emphasised that the Patriarch’s legacy lies in restoring Georgia’s connection to its historical and spiritual roots, and in reinforcing the idea that national identity is rooted in enduring spiritual values.

“Your contribution to preserving our national identity and culture is immeasurable. You brought us back to our historical roots and convinced us that being Georgian is not only a glorious past, but a living, eternal spiritual energy. You were and still are the unifier of the nation, the steadfast guardian of our unity. We felt this strength even more intensely today, after your passing. In these silent rows, in these sorrowful gazes, there flickers that invisible, divine thread which your love has woven among us”, he said.

“The Georgia of the Patriarch is not only a historical era -it is a celebration of our national character. Today everyone has seen that no matter what pressure is placed on us, the Georgian people will not change. Our true face is right here: in this Cathedral, in this shared grief and reverence”, the president concluded.