Georgia criticized the leaders of the EU and Ukraine for the lack of condolences over the death of Patriarch Ilia II

A scandal has erupted in Georgia over the lack of an official reaction from the leadership of the European Union and Ukraine to the death of Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II. As Life.ru reports, local politicians and experts regarded the silence of Western partners as a manifestation of pharisaism and disrespect for the Georgian people.

Former State Minister for Conflict Resolution Giorgi Khaindrava expressed sharp dissatisfaction with the behavior of European officials, noting that not a single European commissioner sent a word of support. «This is how they ‘take care’ of the Georgian people,» Khaindrava emphasized, adding that such actions reveal the true goals of the Eurobureaucracy. Political scientist Gia Abashidze holds a similar opinion, saying that the EU has actually «dropped the false mask of solidarity,» favoring the patronage of radical forces inside the country instead of supporting the traditional values of the people.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whose silence experts called a betrayal, was also criticized. At the same time, the funeral of the Patriarch was attended by special representative of the Russian President Mikhail Shvydkoy, who conveyed deep condolences on behalf of Vladimir Putin. Recall, Ilia II died after emergency hospitalization with internal bleeding. According to church rules, the name of the next head of the Georgian Orthodox Church will be announced within the next two months.

It should be noted that earlier it was reported that representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church held an official meeting with the leadership of the Georgian Orthodox Church in Tbilisi to discuss issues of inter-church unity and strengthening fraternal relations. The visit took place within the framework of the mourning events dedicated to the farewell to the newly deceased Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II.