The Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II, has passed away at the age of 93, marking the end of a transformative nearly half-century era for the Georgian Orthodox Church.
The official announcement was made by Metropolitan Shio Mujiri at the Caucasus Medical Center, where the Patriarch had earlier been hospitalized in critical condition.
The Patriarch was admitted to the intensive care unit earlier today following “massive gastric bleeding.” Despite the efforts of a multidisciplinary team of specialists, his condition remained unstable throughout the evening.
“An epochal figure”
In a somber statement delivered at the clinic, Metropolitan Shio Mujiri confirmed his passing to the public and the media.
“It is very difficult for me to say what I must tell you,” Metropolitan Shio said. “A few minutes ago, His Holiness and Beatitude, Ilia II, passed away. He was an epochal man; this is a tremendous loss for the entire world Orthodox Church. I want to offer my condolences to every Georgian, to all of Georgia, to our Church, and to the entire Christian world.”
The path to succession
With the passing of Ilia II, the Patriarchal See is now vacant. According to Church protocol, the Apostolic Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Georgia will be governed by Metropolitan Shio Mujiri, the Locum Tenens (Incumbent) of the Patriarchal Throne, until a new primate is elected.
Ilia II personally designated Metropolitan Shio for this role on Nov. 23, 2017, a move that secured the continuity of Church governance during this historic transition.
A legacy of spiritual and educational revival
Elected as the 141st Primate on Dec. 23, 1977, Ilia II is credited with the profound reconstruction of the Georgian Church following decades of Soviet suppression.
His tenure saw the number of dioceses grow from 15 to 33, the establishment of over 50 monasteries, and the ordination of nearly 1,000 clergy members.
Under his leadership, several landmark achievements defined the modern Georgian Church.
The Holy Trinity (Sameba) Cathedral: The construction of the country’s largest cathedral in Tbilisi became a symbol of national and spiritual unity.
Educational Reform: In 1988, he relocated the Mtskheta Theological Seminary to Tbilisi, founding the Tbilisi Theological Academy and Seminary. He also oversaw the restoration of the historic Gelati Theological Academy and established religious schools across Georgia.
Literary Contributions: Under his blessing, the Bible was published in modern Georgian alongside numerous theological collections, journals, and academic periodicals.
International and academic stature
Ilia II was a recognized scholar and international figure. He earned his candidate degree in Theology from the Moscow Theological Academy in 1960 with a dissertation on the History of the Iviron Monastery on Mount Athos.
His influence extended far beyond Georgia’s borders. He served as President of the World Council of Churches from 1978 to 1983 and held honorary doctorates from prestigious institutions, including St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in the United States and the Crete Theological Academy.
The Holy Synod is expected to convene shortly to finalize the details of the funeral and the process for electing the next Patriarch.