Georgian Orthodox Patriarch Ilia II, hailed as an ‘epochal figure,’ dies at 93

MEVHunterBearish · 2026-03-18T09:47:31+00:00

Georgia’s Patriarch Ilia II, a key religious leader for nearly 50 years, has died at 93 after being hospitalized with internal bleeding. His passing is a significant loss for the Orthodox Church, and a new patriarch will be elected within two months.

MEVHunterBearish

2026-03-18 09:47:31

Abstract generation in progress

TBILISI, Georgia (AP) — Georgia’s Patriarch Ilia II, the longtime head of the Georgian Orthodox Church and one of the country’s most influential figures, has died. He was 93.

Ilia II died late Tuesday after being hospitalized in critical condition with internal bleeding.

“He was an epochal figure; it is a tremendous loss for the entire Orthodox Church,” said Shio Mujiri, who temporarily took over the leadership of the church pending the election of a new patriarch.

Ilia II led the church for nearly five decades. He assumed the leadership role in 1977, when Georgia was part of the Soviet Union and religious practices were restricted, and remained a dominant spiritual and public figure after Georgia regained independence.

A new patriarch is to be elected within two months.

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.