The Rector of the Georgian Technical University Expresses Condolences to the Orthodox Church and the Parish on the Death of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia

The Rector of the Georgian Technical University, Academician David Gurgenidze, on behalf of the university community and students, expresses condolences to the Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church, the clergy, the parish and every citizen on the death of the spiritual father of Georgia, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi, Metropolitan of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II.

“On behalf of the Georgian Technical University, I would like to express my condolences on the death of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, which is a grave loss for the Georgian Orthodox Church, for all of Georgia, and for each of us.

His Holiness was the spiritual father of the nation, who brought the “all-covered Georgian Church” back to life, opened the “sunny night” for Georgia, and set the Georgian nation on the path of seeking truth. The authority of the Patriarch went beyond the church space and encompassed the public, cultural, and educational life of Georgia. He was a rare figure who was able to organically combine spiritual values and the idea of education, thereby shaping the worldview and civic self-awareness of many generations. His great contribution to the upbringing and education of youth is especially noteworthy. His Holiness’s work has always served to deepen the spiritual values, morality, and importance of education for future generations. His vision was based on the belief that an educated and spiritually empowered generation is the foundation for a country’s progress, the development of science, and the strengthening of national identity.

At the initiative of the Patriarch, the Theological Educational and Scientific Center was established at the Georgian Technical University, which played a crucial role in raising spiritual awareness among students and strengthening humanistic values. For the youth, the Center still represents a space where knowledge, spirituality, and civic responsibility are intertwined.

Also of particular importance is the fact that, at the initiative of His Holiness, the Georgian Technical University was awarded the highest award of the Georgian Orthodox Church – the Golden Order of St. George – for its outstanding contribution to the development of education and science and the country’s revival. This recognition was an expression of respect not only for the university, but also for the entire Georgian scientific and educational space.

Today, the words of the 2026 Christmas Epistle, dedicated to the 1700th anniversary of the Christianization of Georgia, sound like a testament to us: “The preservation of these values is not only a commitment to the past, but also the main condition for our correct orientation in the future – “My spiritual children, please forgive me my sins and weaknesses,” where the Patriarch expressed the profound philosophy of his life – humility, responsibility and boundless love for people. This call essentially reflects the main message of the Patriarch: knowledge, spiritual growth, and true humanity are closely connected with compassion and patience. The life, sermons, and personal example of the Patriarch are a continuous guide for future generations.

The Georgian Technical University once again extends its heartfelt condolences to the Georgian Orthodox Church, its parishes, and all the people of Georgia.

”Your Holiness, we bid you farewell! The kindnesses bestowed by you shed an indelible light on the soul and heart of the Georgian nation,” is stated in the condolence letter of the GTU Rector.