His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II has sent a condolence letter to late 19-year-old footballer Giorgi Shakarashvili's parents and relatives.
"To Levan and Tamar Shakarashvilis' Family and Relatives
With an unspeakable sadness, we have learned about Giorgi Shakarashvili's recent passing, and we want to stand by you in these hard times.
However, now is precisely the time when you must nurture the firm belief in yourself that there is no death for Christ, and Giorgi is alive.
Giorgi's immortal spirit has entered the gate of eternal life and found his everlasting life there.
We must feel the pain of temporary parting with him only and succeed in coming to him closer through our prayers.
We, on our part, will pray for Giorgi so that he can find eternal peace in heaven, and you can find strength and peace in yourselves here," the Patriarch's letter reads.
Giorgi Shakarashvili's family notified the MIA of his missing on 19 June, with the police launching rescue operations shortly after receiving the notification.
After four-day efforts, they found Giorgi Shakarashvili's body in the river Aragvi. The MIA launched an investigation into the case afterward.
