Georgia declares national mourning for Patriarch Ilia II

Georgia has declared national mourning following the death of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, the spiritual leader of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Georgian media reported the news, citing the Patriarchate.

Ilia II died in Tbilisi at age 93. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern Georgian history and a defining spiritual leader in the country’s recent decades.

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In recent days, the patriarch had been hospitalized as his health deteriorated. He was initially admitted to Chapidze Clinic in Tbilisi before being transferred to the Caucasus Medical Center, where he was treated for severe gastrointestinal bleeding.

Funeral arrangements

The Patriarchate said the body of the Catholicos-Patriarch will be transferred to the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi on March 18.

As a sign of mourning, national flags have been lowered to half-staff on government buildings across the country.

Legacy of leadership

Ilia II led the Georgian Orthodox Church for nearly 50 years. He became patriarch at age 44 during the Soviet era and played a central role in reviving religious life in Georgia during and after that period.