Ukrainian Metropolitan Onufriy expresses condolences over death of Georgian Patriarch

Ukrainian Metropolitan Onufriy has expressed condolences following the death of Ilia II on Tuesday.

In a message addressed to Shio Mujiri, the locum tenens of the Patriarchal Throne of the Georgian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Onufriy said he received the news of Ilia II’s death with “deep sorrow”.

“I express my sincere condolences to Your Eminence and to all the clergy and believers of the Georgian Orthodox Church,” the message reads.

He noted that Ilia II had devoted much of his life to serving the Church and the faithful.

“His Holiness worked a lot for the glory of God and for the good of the Church of Christ. The bright memory of the newly departed Primate will forever remain in my heart and in the grateful memory of the entire Ukrainian people,” Metropolitan Onufriy said.

He concluded by praying for the late patriarch.

“May the Lord receive the soul of His faithful servant in the abodes of the righteous,” the statement said.