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.

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