The Georgian Orthodox church is praying for peace in Israel and the release of hostages amid the ongoing Hamas-Israel war, the Catholicos Patriarch of Georgia Ilia II told the Israeli Ambassador Hadas Meitzad.

According to the Patriarchate of Georgia, the sides had discussed the centuries-old fraternal relationship between Georgian and Israeli people at the meeting, held at the initiative of the Israeli Ambassador.

The Georgian Patriarch expressed his sorrow for the hostages and victims in Israel, extending his condolences to the families of the deceased, while Meitzad spoke about the Hamas terrorist attacks last month and expressed her respect for His Holiness and the Georgian orthodox church.

“Thank you your holiness, Ilia II, the Catholicos-Patriarch of all Georgia, for taking the time to hear about the situation in Israel following the October 7th massacre. Thank you for the support and compassion you kindly expressed during the meeting and for your prayers for the immidiete release of all the Israeli Hostages. In times like this spiritual strength and humanity are important and needed”, - said Hadas Meitzad.