The business community across Georgia has expressed deep sorrow and solidarity following the passing of His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. Prominent business associations, major corporations, and leading executives released heartfelt statements honoring the spiritual leader’s decades of service and his profound influence on the nation.
The Georgian Business Association (BAG) issued one of the first formal condolences, describing the Patriarch’s death as an “immense and irreparable loss” for the country. BAG emphasized Ilia II’s role as a symbol of national unity, peace, and cultural preservation, noting that his legacy “will forever remain in Georgia’s history and in the hearts of its people.”
BAG President Soso Pkhakadze also released a personal tribute, calling the Patriarch “a unifying force during the most difficult periods of Georgia’s modern history.” He highlighted the Patriarch’s contribution to strengthening education, culture, and moral values, adding that Ilia II’s “wisdom, love for people, and spiritual leadership became a source of hope and strength for generations.”
From the business advisory sector, BDO Partner Zurab Lalazashvili described the loss as “an exceptionally painful moment for Georgia,” noting Ilia II’s role in uniting the country with calmness and spiritual resilience. Lalazashvili, whose five children were baptized by Ilia II, emphasized the personal significance of the Patriarch’s passing, calling him “a great spiritual leader whose era has now come to an end.”
Several major Georgian companies have also released extended condolence statements.
Georgian Airways expressed “profound sorrow,” stressing the Patriarch’s unifying role during historically crucial moments and his contribution to the revival of Georgian religious and cultural heritage.
The winemaking company Badagoni highlighted its unique, decades-long spiritual connection with Ilia II, noting his direct blessing and support for major cultural restoration projects in the Alaverdi Eparchy.
Aversi Pharma emphasized Ilia II’s role in strengthening national values and unity, calling him “a symbol of moral strength whose teachings guided the nation through its defining challenges.”
The European Business Association (EBA) added that the Patriarch’s influence extended beyond Georgia’s borders, earning him respect across Europe for promoting peace and human dignity.
Energy provider Energo-Pro Georgia praised Ilia II’s unwavering service to the nation, stating that his leadership “reinforced the spiritual and cultural identity of Georgia and inspired generations.”
Representatives from the international business community also expressed condolences.
Osman Chalishkan Mjavnadze, Chairman of the Turkey–Georgia Business Council at DEIK, said the Patriarch’s passing feels like “the closure of a door of peace that united the nation,” praising his extraordinary compassion and his efforts to strengthen bonds among Georgian communities across Turkey, Iran, and Azerbaijan.
The expressions of condolence reflect the profound nationwide mourning and the wide-reaching impact Ilia II had on the country’s social, cultural, and spiritual life. Businesses, executives, and international partners collectively emphasized that his legacy of unity, compassion, and wisdom will continue to inspire Georgia for generations.
