Archbishop Joan expresses condolences over repose of Patriarch Ilia II

Archbishop Joan. Photo: Facebook

On March 18, 2026, Archbishop Joan of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania sent an official letter of condolences to the Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne of Georgia, Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) of Senaki and Chkhorotsku, in connection with the death of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II. This is reported by the official website of the Orthodox Church of  Albania.

In his message, Archbishop Joan described the late Patriarch as “our most beloved brother in God,” who for nearly five decades led the Church of Georgia with wisdom, patience, and deep faith. According to the hierarch, the reposed Primate was distinguished by "his upright character, his devotion to the Orthodox tradition, his love for the faithful people of Georgia, and his steadfast commitment to the unity of Orthodoxy."

The head of the Albanian Church particularly emphasized the historical significance of the ministry of Ilia II, who headed the Church during "the difficult period of Soviet oppression." "The late Patriarch Ilia shepherded his flock, whom he loved, with self-sacrifice and prudence, raising the Church from ruins, building churches and monasteries and inspiring the people of God to return to the faith of their fathers," the text of condolences states.

Archbishop Joan expressed his condolences to the Holy Synod, the clergy and the faithful of the Church of Georgia. Also in the chapel of the Archbishopric in Tirana, he served a memorial service for the repose of the soul of the Primate. "May the Lord grant rest to his noble soul in 'the tents of the righteous". May his memory be eternal!" the hierarch added.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the Romanian Patriarch offered condolences following the death of Patriarch Ilia.

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