Archbishop John of Albania expressed condolences on the death of Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia

Archbishop Ioan of Albania sent an official message of deep condolences on the death of Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II. In his address, the head of the Albanian Orthodox Church emphasized the decisive role of the deceased patriarch in the revival of the local church after decades of Soviet persecution.

According to the Greek edition of Orthodoxia.info, in a letter addressed to Metropolitan Shio, the Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne, Archbishop John characterized the deceased hierarch as a «deeply beloved brother and colleague». The message pays special attention to the extremely difficult historical circumstances in which Patriarch Elijah II had to begin his ministry.

The text notes that the late Primate assumed the leadership of the Church at a time of deep decline. Thanks to his selfless labor it was possible to restore the spiritual life of the country: hundreds of new churches were built, and the Georgian people found their way back to the Orthodox faith. Archbishop John also emphasized the integrity of Ilia II’s character and his unwavering devotion to the traditions and unity of world Orthodoxy.

At the conclusion of his address, the Primate of the Albanian Church expressed his sincere condolences to the Holy Synod, the clergy and all the faithful of Georgia. He offered prayers for the repose of the soul of the hierarch, who with wisdom and patience led his flock for almost five decades.