Patriarch Shio of Georgia praised the unwavering faith and enduring legacy of the Late Patriarch Ilia II during a memorial service held on the occasion of Iliaoba, the feast day marking the Patriarch’s name day.
Speaking at the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Holy Trinity and later at the tomb of the late Patriarch at Sioni Cathedral, Patriarch Shio reflected on the life and ministry of Ilia II, describing him as a shepherd whose life was firmly founded “on the rock of the Church.”
“Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia was steadfast in faith and in the teaching of the Lord. He built his life upon the rock of the Church and was himself as firm as a rock in faith, in ecclesiastical life, and in leading the Church. Nothing could shake his faith, his zeal, or his hope in God, and alongside all this, he succeeded in leading a great spiritual and national renewal in our country and our Church,” Patriarch Shio said.
Drawing on the Gospel account of Christ walking on the sea, he encouraged the faithful to place their trust in Christ amid the storms of life, emphasizing that the Lord remains the true foundation upon which every Christian life must be built.
Reflecting on the decades of Ilia II’s patriarchal ministry, Patriarch Shio recalled the many political and social upheavals experienced by Georgia and its Church, noting that despite these challenges, the late Patriarch remained unwavering in faith and hope while guiding a remarkable period of ecclesiastical revival.
He thanked Ilia II for his lifelong service, observing that the Georgian people had responded to his ministry with profound love and gratitude, especially during the days of his repose and funeral.
Concluding his address, Patriarch Shio prayed for the repose of the late Patriarch’s soul and asked the faithful to remember his enduring spiritual legacy. He also offered prayers for the unity and salvation of Georgia through the intercessions of the Holy Prophet Elijah and Saint Ilia the Righteous (Ilia Chavchavadze).
