LAST UPDATE: 19:50
Patriarch Ilia II was admitted to the Caucasus Medical Centre after suffering a sudden deterioration in his condition due to a massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage. According to medical sources, he is currently in critical condition, placed in the intensive care unit, and supported by artificial ventilation.
The hospitalization of the 93-year-old Patriarch has drawn widespread concern across Georgia, where he is regarded as a deeply respected spiritual leader. Many faithful continue to offer prayers for his recovery during this difficult time.
According to Georgia’s Minister of Health, Mikheil Sarjveladze, Ilia II has undergone all necessary examinations and medical procedures, as reported by Georgian media outlets.
Doctors have confirmed that the 93-year-old Patriarch was hospitalized due to massive gastric bleeding. His condition is described as critical, with unstable hemodynamics, requiring intensive monitoring and specialized care in the intensive care unit.
“Considering his age and all other factors, the situation is difficult,” Minister Sarjveladze stated. “The patient is currently in the intensive care unit, under observation, and necessary measures are being taken to quickly restore all vital signs.”
Also, Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili and his wife arrived at the Caucasus Medical Centre, where Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, was hospitalized last night, as reported by other outlets.
According to Georgian media, the Patriarch has also received visits from high-ranking officials, including Mamuka Mdinaradze, head of the State Security Service, as well as the Health Minister himself, who visited the medical center to receive updates on his condition.
The Patriarchate has called on the faithful to offer prayers for his recovery and strength during this difficult time.
Georgian PM expresses support for hospitalized Patriarch Ilia II
Irakli Kobakhidze has expressed his concern and support for Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia, who is currently hospitalized at the Caucasus Medical Centre following a serious deterioration in his health, as reported by media outlets.
Speaking during his visit to the medical facility, the Prime Minister conveyed his wishes for the Patriarch’s recovery, stating: “I want to wish health to the Patriarch.”
Kobakhidze emphasized that the government is committed to supporting all efforts to safeguard the Patriarch’s health. He refrained from commenting in detail on the medical condition, noting that official updates would be provided by the clinic and relevant authorities.
“My making a statement about the Patriarch’s health would probably be incorrect. Representatives of the council and the clinic will make remarks,” he said. “I wish the Patriarch health and extend my gratitude to physicians. They are fully involved and doing their best to care for him.”
The Prime Minister also thanked the Minister of Health, highlighting the coordinated efforts of medical staff and state institutions. “The government certainly will do its best to continue to provide maximum care for the Patriarch’s health,” he added.
Patriarchate spokesman: Further treatment will be guided by how Patriarch’s condition evolves
The next steps in the treatment of the Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia will depend on how his condition progresses, according to Archpriest Andria Jaghmaidze, Head of the Patriarchate’s Public Relations Service.
“What can be said based on the physicians’ assessment is that following the first necessary intervention, the process is proceeding as it should, though they continue to regard the situation as serious. Any further course of action will only be determined by what the body shows over time. There was a very significant episode of gastric bleeding. It is no simple matter for a man of his age to come through something like this easily. We are praying and asking God to grant him strength and health,” said Jaghmaidze.
Caucasus Medical Center: Patriarch’s health still in critical state
Sophio Aspanidze, head of the Caucasus Medical Center, says that the condition of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II remains critical and concerning.
According to Aspanidze, a resuscitation doctor from Turkey is expected to arrive later today to join the medical team treating the Patriarch.
“The patient’s condition is critical. Critical parameters remain, and hemodynamics are being corrected as much as possible, supported by medications. We held a consultation with resuscitators, agreed on treatment tactics, and continue joint management with all specialists, including those involved remotely. The Patriarch is receiving all necessary medications and hardware support. Later today, a Turkish resuscitator will join to further strengthen our multidisciplinary, high-level team. I strongly believe that everything will be fine,” Aspanidze said.
She emphasized that the situation, while under control, is still assessed as critically severe.
“Critical phases are very individual, depending on how the Patriarch’s body responds. All analyses and parameters are monitored hourly. Only when blood pressure, pulse, and other hemodynamic indicators are maintained independently, without medications, can we assess true stability. The situation is variable because of the urgent, acute procedures that were required, including gastroscopy. For now, it is under control, but in medical terms, it remains a critically severe category,” said Aspanidze.
