TBILISI, GEORGIA [DOEPA]

On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, His Holiness Patriarch Ilia II (Ghudushauri-Shiolashvili), Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta–Tbilisi, and Metropolitan of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia, has reposed in the Lord.

Born Irakli Ghudushauri-Shiolashvili on January 4, 1933, in Vladikavkaz, he was descended from a historic Georgian family with ties to the royal Bagrationi dynasty. After completing his theological studies at the Moscow Theological Seminary and Academy, he was tonsured a monk with the name Ilia and ordained to the holy orders, faithfully serving the Church in Georgia in various capacities, including as rector of the Mtskheta Theological Seminary, the only theological school in the country at that time.

Following his election as Catholicos-Patriarch, His Holiness guided the Georgian Orthodox Church through a period of profound renewal after decades of Soviet oppression. Through his leadership, the life of the Church was strengthened and restored, with a growth in clergy, monastic life, and active parishes. A steadfast spiritual father, he remained a voice of peace and unity during times of national trial, offering pastoral care and guidance to the faithful of Georgia and beyond.

His Holiness served as Primate of the Georgian Orthodox Church for 48 years, having been enthroned on December 25, 1977. He was 93 years old at the time of his repose.

May the Kingdom of Heaven be his, and may his memory be eternal!

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office