Today’s session of the Central Election Commission began with a minute of silence. Through this gesture, the participants honored the memory of Ilia II — Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi, and Metropolitan of Bitchvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia.

“Yesterday, we laid to rest the spiritual leader of our nation, the Patriarch — a man who, over decades, rendered immense service to our Church. A figure whose name is associated with the spiritual strengthening of our nation, the preaching of peace and love, and the unification of people in the most difficult times.

His life was an example — of faith, patience, humility, and boundless love. He was not only the head of the Church, but also a protector and supporter of each of us.

Today, words are insufficient to convey the grief each of us feels. However, we believe that his spiritual legacy, his wisdom, and his words will remain with us for a long time and serve as a guide for future generations.

On behalf of the election administration, I would like to express my condolences to our country, the clergy, and all those for whom his passing has brought sorrow and pain,” said CEC Chair Giorgi Kalandarishvili at today’s session.