Patr. Ilia of Georgia Falls Asleep in the Lord
His Holiness Patr. Ilia II of Georgia. Photo: Orthodox Times
TBILISI, GEORGIA — The Georgian Diocese in North America has announced that His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, has fallen asleep in the Lord.
"May the Lord establish his immortal and blessed soul in the Kingdom of Heaven," the diocese said. It also announced that a memorial service for the repose of his soul will be held in all parishes of the diocese Tuesday evening.
Patr. Ilia was installed on December 25, 1977, serving as archpastor of his nation for nearly five decades — time that was spent reviving the Georgian Church after communist persecution. Perhaps most notably, His Holiness personally became godfather to more than 50,000 children as an encouragement to address low birth rates and the upbringing of families in the Church.
He had celebrated his 93rd birthday earlier this year. May Patr. Ilia's memory be eternal.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Patr. Ilia had been hospitalized and was in serious condition.
Read also
Apostolic Mission to African Diaspora Introduces 'Apostolic Anchor' Newsletter
A new GOARCH newsletter aims to unite and strengthen Orthodox communities across the African diaspora through faith, mission, and shared resources.
Romanian Patriarchate Warns of Gambling Addiction Crisis
The Romanian Patriarchate warns that gambling addiction is reshaping lives and calls for coordinated action, pastoral care, and stronger public safeguards.
OCAMPR Announces Major Conference on Trauma and Wholeness
An upcoming Orthodox conference will examine trauma through theology, pastoral care, and the search for spiritual and psychological healing.
Archdeacon Dionysios Papiris Named Director of Archbishop’s Office
The decision was made following the departure of Fr. Panagiotis Papazafiropoulos, who is now Executive Director of Leadership 100.
BREAKING: ROCOR Rejects Reception of Bp. Emilianos, Rescinds Reception of Australian Deacon
The Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia affirms that Bp. Emilianos of Meloa and Dcn. Christos Karafotias remain clerics of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
Priest Says Germans Turning to Orthodoxy for Clarity
In an interview with UOJ-Germany, Fr. Alexey Veselov said natives are increasingly embracing Orthodoxy, drawn by its clarity, conviction, and uncompromising sense of truth.