Georgian Patriarch Ilia II turns 92

Primate of the Georgian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Ilia II. Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr

The Primate of the Georgian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Ilia II, turned 92 on January 4. Ilia II (secular name: Irakli Giorgievich Ghudushauri-Shiolashvili) was born on January 4, 1933, in Vladikavkaz, then part of the Soviet Union.

On April 16, 1957, he was tonsured a monk. The monastic tonsure was performed by Elder Bishop Zinoviy (Mazhuha), who at the time prophesied Ilia’s future Patriarchal ministry. Two days later, he was ordained as a hierodeacon, and on May 10, 1959, as a hieromonk.

He graduated from the Moscow Theological Academy in 1960. On September 16, 1961, he was elevated to the rank of archimandrite. On August 25, 1963, he was consecrated Bishop of Batumi and Shemokmedi. The consecration was performed by Patriarch Ephraim of Georgia. On September 1, 1967, he was appointed Bishop of Sukhumi and Abkhazia. On May 17, 1969, he was elevated to the rank of Metropolitan.

On December 23, 1977, he was elected Patriarch of Georgia.

The Primate of the Georgian Orthodox Church, who celebrated the 47th anniversary of his enthronement on December 25, is deeply respected in the country and is widely regarded as the most prominent figure in Georgia. His tenure has seen the revival of Orthodoxy in the nation: the number of dioceses has increased to 42, and the number of active churches has grown from 48 to 1,000. Additionally, the Tbilisi and Gelati Theological Academies were established, and the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi was built under his leadership.

Despite his advanced age and frail health, Patriarch Ilia remains actively engaged in current political and ecclesiastical affairs both within and beyond the country, as evidenced by his appeals for unity and peace. Recently, during a period of unrest caused by domestic political events, the Patriarch called for national unity and prayer. “We are all united by our love for our country, and so I appeal to you: let us pray together for the welfare of Georgia, so that with God’s grace and inner peace, we may take the right steps,” he said.

As the UOJ previously reported, Georgian Patriarch Ilia blessed the country's new president.

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