Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia fell asleep in the Lord today, 17 March 2026, at the age of 93, leaving behind a long history of pastoral service in the Orthodox Church.
This was confirmed by Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) of Senaki and Chkhorotsku, Patriarchal Locum Tenens.
The late Primate was hospitalized at the Caucasus Medical Center on March 17, where he immediately received the necessary medical care following a sudden deterioration in his health.
The repose of Patriarch Ilia II marks the end of an entire era for the Church of Georgia, as he was a spiritual father and a point of reference for the Georgian people, leaving an indelible mark on the course of Orthodoxy.
Biography of Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia
Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia, born Irakli Ghudushauri-Shiolashvili on January 4, 1933, in Vladikavkaz (then Ordzhonikidze in the Soviet Union), was one of the most influential spiritual leaders in modern Georgian history. His family originated from the Kazbegi region of Georgia, with deep roots in the mountainous area of Khevi, where the Shiolashvili family was well known.
Early Life and Education
Ilia II pursued theological studies in Moscow Theological Seminary and later at the Moscow Theological Academy, from which he graduated in 1960. He was ordained a hierodeacon in 1957 and a hieromonk in 1959, marking the beginning of his ecclesiastical journey.
After completing his studies, he returned to Georgia and was assigned to serve as a priest in the cathedral church of Batumi. In 1961, he was elevated to the rank of hegumen and later archimandrite, demonstrating his growing role within the Church.
Rise in the Church Hierarchy
On August 26, 1963, he was consecrated Bishop of Batumi and Shemokmedi and appointed Patriarchal Vicar. During the same period, he served as the first rector of the Mtskheta Theological Seminary, the only clerical school in Georgia at the time, playing a key role in the formation of new clergy.
In 1967, he became Bishop of Tskhumi and Abkhazia and was elevated to Metropolitan in 1969, further strengthening his leadership position within the Georgian Orthodox Church.
Election as Patriarch
Following the death of Patriarch David V of Georgia, Ilia II was elected Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia on December 25, 1977.
His election marked the beginning of a transformative era for the Church, which had long suffered under the restrictions of Soviet ideology.
Revival of the Georgian Orthodox Church
As Patriarch, Ilia II initiated a process of renewal that helped restore the Church’s influence and prestige. By the late 1980s, the number of clergy, monasteries, and churches had significantly increased. Under his leadership, the Church expanded its presence and reconnected with the faithful across the country.
He also oversaw the publication of a modern Georgian translation of the Bible during the period of reforms in the Soviet Union.
Role in Society and National Life
Patriarch Ilia II played an active role in Georgia’s social and political life, especially during times of crisis. On April 9, 1989, he joined peaceful demonstrators in Tbilisi protesting Soviet rule and urged them to withdraw to the Kashueti Church to avoid bloodshed. Despite his appeals, the protest was violently suppressed, resulting in numerous casualties.
During the civil conflicts of the 1990s, he consistently called for peace and reconciliation among opposing sides.
International Engagement and Church Policy
From 1978 to 1983, Ilia II served as co-president of the World Council of Churches. However, in 1997, amid internal opposition, he led the Georgian Orthodox Church to withdraw from the organization in order to preserve ecclesiastical unity.
In 2002, he signed a historic agreement with the President of Georgia, Eduard Shevardnadze, granting the Church a special legal status and recognizing its significant role in national life.
Legacy
Patriarch Ilia II’s decades-long ministry left a profound impact on both the Church and Georgian society. He is widely regarded as a spiritual father and moral authority who guided the Georgian Orthodox Church through difficult historical periods, restoring its vitality and strengthening its role in the life of the nation.
