The Patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church, Ilia II, was rushed to intensive care in the early hours of March 17 after suffering “massive gastric bleeding,” Georgian medical officials and government representatives confirmed.
The 93-year-old His Holiness is currently being treated in the critical care department, where his health indicators are described as “unstable and noteworthy.”
Medical response and current status
According to Dr. Vakhtang Kaloiani, a member of the medical council and a leading intensivist, the Patriarch’s condition remains difficult. He is currently dependent on several medications to maintain stable heart function and blood pressure.
“The situation is complex,” Dr. Kaloiani told reporters. “At this stage, we can say that the bleeding has been stopped. The primary issue was the gastric hemorrhage, which caused significant shifts in his system an expected but serious complication given the circumstances.”
Sophio Aspanidze, Director of the Caucasus Medical Center, confirmed that the Patriarch is currently on a ventilator (mechanical ventilation) in the intensive care unit. Medical staff are conducting diagnostic tests every hour to monitor his vitals in real-time.
Government and church coordination
The clinical management is being handled by a multidisciplinary team of the country’s top specialists. Georgian Health Minister Mikheil Sarjveladze stated that the current treatment plan is the only viable option at this moment.
“The council evaluated the effectiveness of the ongoing treatment and concluded it is proceeding as it should,” Sarjveladze said. “Much depends on his age and the resilience of his organism. We will continue to monitor the dynamics closely over the coming hours.”
High-ranking officials, including Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, visited the clinic to check on the Patriarch’s status.
Half a century of leadership: a historic tenure
Ilia II, born Irakli Ghudushauri-Shiolashvili, has served as the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia since 1977, making him one of the world’s longest-reigning religious figures.
His health has been a subject of national concern for several years due to his advanced age.
In 2017, the Patriarch designated Metropolitan Shio Mujiri of Senaki and Chkhorotsqu as the Incumbent (Locum Tenens) of the Patriarchal Throne, a move seen as preparing the Church for an eventual succession.