Patriarch Ilia II of All Georgia

Patriarch Ilia II of All Georgia was a prominent figure in the Eastern Orthodox Church, serving as the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia from 1977 until his death in 2022. He was a key figure in the Georgian Orthodox Church and played a significant role in the country's modern history, working closely with Eduard Shevardnadze, Mikheil Saakashvili, and Giorgi Margvelashvili. Throughout his life, he maintained strong relationships with other Christian denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church, and was a frequent visitor to Vatican City, where he met with Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. He also interacted with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow.

● Early Life and Education

Patriarch Ilia II was born as Irakli Ghudushauri-Shiolashvili in Vladikavkaz, North Ossetian ASSR, Soviet Union, to a family of Georgian origin, and was raised in a devout Eastern Orthodox family. He studied at the Moscow Theological Academy and the Leningrad Theological Academy, where he earned his degree in Theology. During his studies, he was influenced by prominent theologians such as Archbishop Mikhail (Gribanovsky) of Simbirsk and Syzran and Metropolitan Alexius (Simansky) of Leningrad and Novgorod. After completing his education, he served in various dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church, including the Diocese of Minsk and the Diocese of Tallinn.

● Patriarchal Ministry

As the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Patriarch Ilia II played a crucial role in promoting the interests of the Georgian Orthodox Church and the country of Georgia. He worked closely with the Government of Georgia to promote religious freedom and to protect the rights of the Georgian people. He also maintained strong relationships with other Christian denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church, and was a frequent participant in ecumenical dialogues with Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople. Additionally, he interacted with Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria.

● Ecclesiastical Career

Patriarch Ilia II's ecclesiastical career spanned over six decades, during which he served in various positions within the Georgian Orthodox Church and the Russian Orthodox Church. He was consecrated as a Bishop in 1959 and later became the Metropolitan of Tbilisi and Bishop of Uruskheti and Ruisi. He also served as a member of the Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church and played a key role in the autocephaly of the Georgian Orthodox Church in 1990. Throughout his career, he was awarded numerous honors and awards, including the Order of the Golden Fleece and the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle the First-Called.

● Personal Life and Views

Patriarch Ilia II was known for his conservative views on social issues, including LGBT rights and abortion. He was also a strong supporter of the Georgian Orthodox Church's traditional teachings and practices, and worked to promote the Christianization of Georgian society. Additionally, he was a vocal advocate for the reunification of Georgia and the protection of the country's territorial integrity. He maintained close relationships with other prominent Christian leaders, including Pope Benedict XVI and Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams.

● Later Life and Legacy

In his later years, Patriarch Ilia II continued to play an active role in the Georgian Orthodox Church and Georgian society. He remained a highly respected figure in Georgia and was widely recognized for his contributions to the country's modern history. He passed away on December 11, 2022, at the age of 89, and was buried in the Sioni Cathedral in Tbilisi. His legacy continues to be felt in Georgia and the wider Eastern Orthodox community, with many remembering him as a devoted Christian leader and a champion of Georgian culture and traditions. He is also remembered for his interactions with Patriarch John X of Antioch and Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem.

Category:Eastern Orthodox patriarchs