His Excellency Răzvan Rotundu, Romania’s ambassador to Georgia, has sent a message of condolence following the passing of Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia, highlighting his remarkable contribution to the life of the Orthodox Church and to inter-Orthodox relations.
“May God rest the soul of His Beatitude Ilia, Catholicos-Patriarch of all Georgia, a distinguished spiritual leader of the Orthodox Church of Georgia in the last half of century! In Romania he will always be remembered for his contribution to the strengthening of spiritual ties between the Orthodox Churches of Romania and Georgia,” the ambassador wrote on the Facebook page of the embassy.
The Romanian diplomatic mission in Tbilisi extended condolences to Georgian society immediately after the announcement of the patriarch’s death.
“Patriarch Ilia II led the Georgian Orthodox Church from 1977, during a period marked by major challenges. During the Soviet regime, he managed relations with the authorities of the former USSR, helping preserve the Church’s identity and life. After Georgia proclaimed independence, he played a key role in strengthening the Church and reaffirming its place in society,” Ambassador Rotundu told Basilica News Agency.
He also recalled that throughout his ministry, Patriarch Ilia II supported dialogue and cooperation among Orthodox Churches, consistently promoting bilateral relations, including with the Romanian Orthodox Church.
The Romanian ambassador thanked Patriarch Daniel of Romania for his swift reaction after the news of the Georgian patriarch’s passing.
Patriarch Ilia II—Archbishop of Mtskheta and Tbilisi, Metropolitan of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia, and Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia—died on Tuesday evening, 17 March 2026, at the age of 93.
Georgian authorities have declared a period of national mourning, with flags to be flown at half-mast on administrative buildings across the country.
Photo: Embassy of Romania to Georgia
