The World Council of Churches expressed condolences on the death of Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia

The World Council of Churches (WCC) sent official condolences to the Georgian Orthodox Church and its faithful on the passing of Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II. The Primate, who led the Church for almost fifty years, passed away on Tuesday evening, March 17, 2026, at the age of 93.

According to the Greek Orthodoxia News Agency, WCC general secretary Rev. Dr. Jerry Pillay expressed deep sorrow on behalf of the entire organization in an official statement. «We join Orthodox brothers and sisters around the world in thanking God for the life and witness of Patriarch Elijah II. May God’s strength, peace and consolation accompany all who mourn this loss,» Pillay emphasized.

The deceased patriarch left a significant mark in the history of inter-church relations. From 1983 to 1991 he served as President of the World Council of Churches, actively promoting dialog and cooperation between different Christian denominations. It should be recalled that the Georgian Orthodox Church was a member of the WCC from 1963 to 1997.