Heads of UOC-KP and OCU express condolences on the death of Georgian Patriarch Ilia II

The heads of the UOC-KP and the OCU Filaret Denisenko and Epiphany Dumenko expressed condolences to the Georgian people, clergy and faithful of the Georgian Orthodox Church over the death of Georgian Patriarch Elijah II. The heads of Ukrainian schismatic groups took this step despite the fact that neither the UOC-KP nor the OCU were in Eucharistic or prayerful communion.

«I received with deep sadness the news of the death of His Holiness Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II. The death of Patriarch Ilia is a great loss not only for the Georgian Orthodox Church, but also for the entire world Orthodoxy, because the figure of His Holiness is known and respected in all parts of the world. He is a truly talented and tireless archpastor of his people, a peacemaker, a wise spiritual mentor who testified to Christ through his life and ministry,» Denysenko said.

The head of the UOC-KP spoke about his repeated communication with the late Georgian Patriarch during Denysenko’s tenure as a member of the Ukrainian Exarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church. Denysenko fondly recalled the years of joint study and work at the Trinity-Sergius Lavra.

«I remember with prayerful remembrance our acquaintance, study and work at the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, as well as our joint joyful worship and meetings at various conferences dedicated to strengthening peace and Christian values in the world. […] On behalf of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate and on my own behalf, I express my heartfelt condolences on the repose of His Holiness Patriarch Ilia to the entirety of the Georgian Orthodox Church: the bishops, clergy, faithful and the entire Georgian people. Sharing your grief, I offer my prayers to God for the repose of the soul of the deceased! May the All-Merciful Lord God receive His faithful servant, His Holiness Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia, to the abode of the righteous, where all the saints rest!» added the head of the UOC-KP.

In his turn, the head of the OCU, Epifaniy Dumenko, emphasized that the scale of the figure of Patriarch Ilia II was of exceptional importance not only for Georgia but also for the entire Orthodox world. According to him, the longstanding ministry of the deceased Primate of the GOC inspired many people, helped them overcome severe trials and keep hope in the most difficult times, including periods of military conflicts provoked by Russian aggressors.

In his address, Dumenko called Ilia II «a true spiritual father» for the Georgian people. «We pray that our Father will accept His servant into the heavenly abodes. May the Lord rest the soul of the newly deceased Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II in His Kingdom, and may He give all the mourners comfort and spiritual strength,» said the head of the OCU.

As reported, on March 17, 2026 , at the age of 93, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Elijah II passed away to the Lord. The death of the prominent spiritual leader, who led the Church for almost half a century, was officially confirmed by the Patriarchal Locum Tenens, Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) of Senaki and Chorotskuia.