A delegation of the Romanian Patriarchate that attended the funeral of Patriarch Ilia II was received on Monday afternoon at the headquarters of the Patriarchate of Georgia for a meeting with the Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne and other Georgian hierarchs.
Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Chkhorotsku, Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne, welcomed the Romanian delegation and highlighted the strong relations between Romania and Georgia, particularly through the legacy of Saint Anthimos the Iberian.
He thanked the delegation for its presence at the funeral of Patriarch Ilia, noting that the attendance of representatives of sister Churches had been a genuine source of consolation for the Holy Synod and the Georgian people. He also requested prayers for the continuation of the path bequeathed by Patriarch Ilia.
In conclusion, he conveyed gratitude and greetings to the Patriarch of Romania and expressed hope that inter-Church relations would continue to develop and be strengthened.
Praise for the Faith of the Georgian People
Metropolitan Ioan of Banat thanked the hosts for their hospitality and reception, praising the faith of the Georgian people, who accompanied their Patriarch over several days of mourning towards the Kingdom of Heaven.
Referring to Samtavro Monastery, which the Romanian delegation visited on Monday morning, the Metropolitan of Banat noted the deep veneration shown by the Georgian faithful towards Saint Gabriel (Urgebadze) the Georgian, adding that in recent years Romanian faithful have also shown particular reverence for him.
He further emphasised that the ancient churches and monasteries of Georgia bear witness to the steadfast faith of a people who have endured many trials and hardships throughout history, describing their faith as “firm as stone” and a testimony of Christian life to the entire world.
Saint Anthimos the Iberian Recalled
Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești spoke about the blessing of residing at the foundation of Saint Anthimos the Iberian in Bucharest, noting that in this capacity, he has often welcomed delegations from the Georgian Church and state. He also recalled various meetings he had with Patriarch Ilia II.
Metropolitan David of Alaverdi proposed establishing a bilateral Georgian-Romanian dialogue commission to foster the development of ecclesiastical relations, noting that similar formats already exist between the Georgian Patriarchate and other Orthodox Churches, such as the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
Metropolitan Grigol of Poti recalled the consecration of the altar of Antim Monastery by Patriarchs Teoctist of Romania and Ilia II of Georgia.
Metropolitan Andria of Gori and Ateni expressed gratitude for the Romanian Orthodox Church’s support for the Georgian community in Ireland and, more broadly, in Western Europe.
A delegation of the Romanian Patriarchate led by Metropolitan Ioan of Banat attended the funeral service of Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia on Sunday in Tbilisi, officiated by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I.
Photo: Patriarchate of Georgia
