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Ilia II of Georgia
Ilia II of Georgia
Ilia II of Georgia
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Ilia II (Georgian: ილია II, romanized: ilia II; born 4 December 1933), also transcribed as Ilya or Elijah, is the 82nd and current Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, the spiritual leader of the Georgian Orthodox Church. He is officially styled as "Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, the Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi and Metropolitan Bishop of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II."[2]

Key Information

Biography

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Ilia II was born 4 December 1933 as Irakli Ghudushauri-Shiolashvili (Georgian: ირაკლი ღუდუშაური-შიოლაშვილი) in Ordzhonikidze (modern-day Vladikavkaz), an autonomous city[3] of North Caucasus Krai within the Russian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic, USSR. His parents came from the Kazbegi district of Georgia. His father, Giorgi Shiolashvili, was from the village Sno, and his mother, Natalia Kobaidze, from the village Sioni. The Shiolashvili were an influential clan in the highlands of Khevi.

Irakli Ghudushauri graduated from the Moscow Theological Seminary and was ordained, under the name of Ilia, a hierodeacon in 1957 and hieromonk in 1959. He graduated from the Moscow Theological Academy in 1960 and returned to Georgia, where he was assigned to the Batumi Cathedral Church as a priest. In 1961, he was promoted to hegumen and later to archimandrite. On 26 August 1963, he was chosen to be the bishop of Batumi and Shemokmedi and appointed a patriarchal vicar. From 1963 to 1972, he was also the first rector of the Mtskheta Theological Seminary—the only clerical school in Georgia at that time.

In 1967, Ilia was consecrated as the bishop of Tskhumi and Abkhazeti and elevated to the rank of metropolitan in 1969. After the death of the controversial Patriarch David V, he was elected the new Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia on 25 December 1977.

The new patriarch began a course of reforms, enabling the Georgian Orthodox Church, once suppressed by the Soviet ideology, to largely regain its former influence and prestige by the late 1980s. In 1988, there were 180 priests, 40 monks, and 15 nuns for a congregation variously estimated as being from one to three million. There were 200 churches, one seminary, three convents, and four monasteries.[citation needed] During the last years of the Soviet Union, he was actively involved in Georgia's social life.

The patriarch oversaw the publication of a linguistically updated, modern Georgian version of the Bible, which was printed in the Gorbachev era.[4]

The patriarch joined the people demonstrating in Tbilisi against the Soviet rule on 9 April 1989, and fruitlessly urged the protesters to withdraw to the nearby Kashueti Church to avoid the bloodshed.[citation needed] This peaceful demonstration was dispersed by the Soviet troops, leaving behind 22 dead and hundreds injured. During the civil war in Georgia in the 1990s, he called the rival parties to find a peaceful solution to the crisis.

From 1978 to 1983, Ilia II was co-president of the World Council of Churches (WCC), an ecumenical organization the Georgian Orthodox Church had joined with other Soviet churches in 1962. In May 1997, a vocal group of conservative Orthodox clerics accused Ilia II of participating in "ecumenical heresy" and threatened schism. The patriarch hastily convened the Holy Synod and announced withdrawal from the WCC.[5][6] In 2002, the then-president of Georgia Eduard Shevardnadze and Ilia II signed a concordat whereby the Georgian Orthodox Church was granted a number of privileges, and holders of the office of patriarch were given legal immunity.[7][8]

Awards and recognition

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As patriarch, he has received the highest Church awards from the Patriarchs of the Orthodox Churches of Antioch, Jerusalem, Alexandria, Russia, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania and almost all other Orthodox Churches. As a productive theologian and church historian, he was conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Theology from St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary in New York (1986), the Academy of Sciences in Crete (1997) and the St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania (1998). Ilia II is an Honorary Academician of the Georgian Academy of Sciences (2003) and Hon. Fellow of the American School of Genealogy, Heraldry and Documentary Sciences. In February 2008, his grace was awarded the David Guramishvili Prize. For its supporting views regarding the monarchical restoration of the House of Bagration in Georgia, Patriarch Ilia II received the Grand Collar of the Order of the Eagle of Georgia from Prince David Bagration of Mukhrani.

Ilia II and Russia

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During the August 2008 Russo-Georgian War, Ilia II appealed to the Russian political leadership and the church, expressing concerns that "the Orthodox Russians were bombing Orthodox Georgians". He also made a pastoral visit, bringing food and aid, to the Russian-occupied central Georgian city of Gori and the surrounding villages which were at the verge of humanitarian catastrophe.[citation needed] He also helped retrieve the bodies of deceased Georgian soldiers and civilians.[9][10] Ilia II also blessed the September 1, 2008 "Stop Russia" demonstrations, in which tens of thousands organized human chains across Georgia.[11]

In December 2008, Ilia II visited Moscow to participate in the funeral service of Russia's late Patriarch Alexy II. On 9 December 2008, he met Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev, which was the first high-level official contact between the two countries since the August war.[12] Later, Ilia II announced that he had some "positive agreements" with Medvedev which needed "careful and diplomatic" follow-up by the politicians.[13]

In March 2023, Ilia II wrote a letter to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I expressing "great heartache" over the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War and expressing his concern over the non-renewal of the right of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which is subordinate to the Moscow Patriarchate and is not recognized by Bartholomew, to use the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery. Ilia's statement prompted criticism in Georgia, where it was interpreted by some as support for the Moscow Patriarchate and Russia.[14]

Initiative to increase Georgia's declining birth rate

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In late 2007, concerned with Georgia's declining birth rate, Ilia II offered to personally baptize any child born to a family that already has at least two children, as long as the new child was to be born after his announcement. He conducts mass baptism ceremonies four times a year. The patriarch's initiative contributed to a national baby boom,[15] as being baptized by the Patriarch is a considerable honour among adherents of the Georgian Orthodox Church.[16] Ilia II has more than 47,000 godchildren.[17]

Approval ratings

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Ilia II was called "the most trusted man in Georgia" by CNN in 2010, and had the highest favourability rating among Georgian politicians (94%), according to a November 2013 National Democratic Institute for International Affairs poll.[18][19]

Views

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Constitutional monarchy

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Ilia II has a reputation as a proponent of constitutional monarchy as a form of government for Georgia. On 7 October 2007, he publicly called in a sermon for consideration of establishing a constitutional monarchy under the Bagrationi dynasty (which the Russian Empire had dispossessed of the Georgian crown early in the 19th century).[20] The call coincided with rising confrontation between the government of President Mikheil Saakashvili and the opposition, many[quantify] members of which welcomed the patriarch's proposal.[21] Ilia II favored the ancient house of Prince David Bagration of Mukhrani and initiated a marriage between this genealogically senior royal line and the Gruzinsky branch.[22]

Patriarch Ilia II and David Bagrationi Mukhrani

He later personally baptized the offspring of this union, Prince Giorgi Bagration Mukhrani, his godson, styling him "Prince of Georgia" in a ceremony including the whole Synod.[23][22] In June 2018 he gave an official blessing and performed the wedding ceremony for Prince Juan de Bagration-Mukhrani and Kristine Dzidziguri at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.[24]

Georgian Dream

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In November 2024, the Georgian Orthodox Church released a statement signed by Ilia II congratulating the socially conservative governing party Georgian Dream on its victory in a parliamentary election reportedly marred by fraud.[25]

Homosexuality

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In 2013, Ilia II described homosexuality as a "disease"[26] and compared it to drug addiction.[citation needed] He urged the Georgian authorities to stop a gay rights rally planned for Tbilisi on 17 May 2013[26] to mark International Day Against Homophobia, stating that the rally was a "violation of the majority's rights"[citation needed] and "an insult" to Georgian tradition.[26] Following his comments, thousands of Georgians, led by Georgian Orthodox priests, took to the streets of Tbilisi to protest the gay rights rally. Due to escalating violence against the rally's participants, the rally had to be abandoned, and the activists were driven in a bus to safety by the police.[27] In his response to the event, Ilia II said he did not endorse violence.[28]

Liberalism

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In his sermons, Ilia II has condemned homosexuality and abortion, demanded television be censored to remove sexual content, denounced school textbooks for "insufficient patriotism," lectured against what he calls "extreme liberalism," and warned against "pseudo-culture" from abroad. He has opposed attempts to give other Christian confessions equal status under Georgian law and has condemned international educational exchanges and working abroad as "unpatriotic."[29]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ilia II of Georgia

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Ilia II (born Irakli Ghudushauri-Shiolashvili; January 4, 1933) is the and primate of the autocephalous , a position he has held since his election on , 1977. Born in in Soviet North to a family with roots in Georgian nobility, he entered monastic life early, graduating from the Theological Academy in 1960 before rising through ecclesiastical ranks amid Soviet religious restrictions. Under Ilia II's leadership, the underwent a profound resurgence after the Soviet Union's dissolution in , with expanding dramatically as he personally baptized thousands of adults and oversaw the construction of numerous new parishes and monasteries. He facilitated the 1985 publication of the in modern Georgian, a milestone in accessible religious literature, and served as president of the from 1978 to 1983. Ilia II is frequently cited as Georgia's most trusted , credited with fostering national unity and moral guidance during post-communist transitions, economic hardships, and geopolitical tensions, including conflicts with . His tenure has not been without challenges, as the Church has faced internal scandals involving clergy misconduct and allegations of corruption, though Ilia II maintains broad popular support amid these issues.

Early Life and Formation

Birth and Family

Irakli Ghudushauri-Shiolashvili, who would become Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, was born on 4 January 1933 in (then Ordzhonikidze), the capital of the North Ossetian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic within the . He was the fourth child of Georgy Shiolashvili, a Georgian from the Khevi region, and Natalia Kobaidze; both parents were ethnic Georgians displaced from the Kazbegi district of Soviet Georgia to North Ossetia amid Stalin-era repressions starting in 1927. The Shiolashvili family traced its roots to the mountainous Khevi province in northern Georgia, known for its historical ties to Georgian highland clans with a tradition of Orthodox piety and resistance to external rule. Despite the family's displacement and the suppression of religious life under Soviet atheism, young Irakli was raised in an environment that preserved Georgian cultural and Christian identity, influencing his later path.

Education and Monastic Calling

Irakli Ghudushauri-Shiolashvili, who would later take the monastic name Ilia, began his religious formation at age eight, studying under Nikoloz Sepashvili in Qvareli, an formative period that instilled deep spiritual discipline. After completing at Vladikavkaz's School No. 22 in 1952, he entered the Moscow Theological Seminary, reflecting his commitment to ecclesiastical service amid Soviet restrictions on religious life. His monastic vocation crystallized during ; on April 16, 1957, as a second-year student, he received monastic with the name Ilia from Zinoviy (Mazhuga) of Stepanavan, blessed by Catholicos-Patriarch Melkisedek III (Pkhaladze), marking his irrevocable dedication to despite the era's atheistic pressures. He was ordained hierodeacon later that year and in 1959, advancing his clerical path. Ilia continued theological studies at the Moscow Theological Academy, graduating with honors in 1960 and earning a candidate of degree for his dissertation on the "History of the Georgian Church in the ," equipping him with scholarly rigor for future leadership. This progression from to academy underscored his pursuit of Orthodox scholarship under constrained conditions, blending personal piety with intellectual preparation.

Ecclesiastical Rise

Ordination and Early Ministry

Irakli Ghudushauri-Shiolashvili, having taken monastic vows under the name Ilia, was ordained as a hierodeacon on Great and Holy Thursday, April 18, 1957, by at the Sioni Cathedral in . This ordination occurred shortly after his graduation from the Theological , where he had pursued studies amid the constraints of Soviet-era religious suppression. Ilia was elevated to , receiving priestly , in 1959 while completing his theological education at the Moscow Theological Academy, from which he graduated the following year with a for academic excellence. In this capacity, he began his priestly service within the , navigating the limited ecclesiastical opportunities under Soviet oversight that restricted open pastoral work and monastic life. By 1961, Ilia had been promoted to and subsequently to , reflecting his growing administrative responsibilities and commitment to preserving Orthodox traditions during a period of ideological pressure. His early ministry focused on educational and liturgical roles, including contributions to instruction upon returning to Georgia, laying the groundwork for his later involvement in reopening theological institutions amid gradual post-Stalinist thaw in religious policy.

Elevation to Episcopacy

On August 26, 1963, Ilia (Ghudushauri-Shiolashvili) was consecrated to the episcopate by Catholicos-Patriarch Ephrem II (Sidamonidze) of the , becoming Bishop of and Shemokmedi. The consecration followed his election by the , reflecting recognition of his administrative and scholarly contributions amid Soviet restrictions on church activities. Concurrently, he was appointed patriarchal , overseeing education as the first rector of the Theological Academy from 1963 to 1972. This elevation occurred during a period of state oversight of the Georgian Church, where episcopal appointments required balancing with Soviet authorities' demands for compliance. Ilia's rapid rise from monastic in 1957 to at age 30 underscored his perceived reliability in navigating these constraints while maintaining Orthodox liturgical and doctrinal standards. In his initial , he focused on pastoral duties and clerical formation, contributing to the limited preservation of monastic life under atheistic policies. By 1967, Bishop Ilia was transferred to the Diocese of Tskhumi and , where he addressed regional challenges including ethnic tensions and church property disputes. His elevation to metropolitan in 1969 further affirmed his leadership, positioning him for higher roles in the church hierarchy. These steps marked a foundational phase in his ecclesiastical career, emphasizing administrative acumen over public confrontation with the regime.

Election and Leadership

Path to Catholicos-Patriarch

Following the death of Catholicos-Patriarch David V on November 9, 1977, Metropolitan Ilia of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia was immediately elected by the bishops of the to serve as locum tenens of the throne. David V, who had led the church since 1972 amid the Soviet suppression of religious institutions, faced criticism for perceived collaboration with communist authorities, including registration requirements that limited ecclesiastical activities. The election process for the Catholicos-Patriarch is conducted by the of the , comprising its active bishops, in accordance with canonical traditions adapted to the autocephalous structure restored in 1917. On December 23, 1977—just over six weeks after David V's death—Metropolitan Ilia was unanimously selected as the 80th during a synodal session in . His swift elevation reflected the Synod's preference for a leader with prior administrative experience in dioceses like , where he had served since 1967, and amid ongoing oversight of church affairs in the . He was enthroned two days later, on December 25, 1977, at in , marking the formal commencement of his patriarchate.

Initial Reforms Post-Enthronement

Upon his as Catholicos-Patriarch on December 25, 1977, Ilia II inherited a severely diminished by decades of Soviet anti-religious policies, with only approximately 40 operational churches and a numbering around 40 priests across the republic. He promptly initiated internal reforms aimed at structural revival, focusing on expanding networks through negotiations with Soviet authorities to reopen closed churches and monasteries, which had been confiscated or repurposed under communist rule. These efforts yielded gradual successes, with the number of active parishes rising to several hundred by the late 1980s, even amid ongoing ideological suppression. A core component of these early reforms involved bolstering clerical ranks and theological to counteract the erosion of ecclesiastical expertise. Ilia II oversaw the of additional priests and the enhancement of programs, drawing on limited resources to train a new generation capable of sustaining Orthodox traditions suppressed since the . By prioritizing recruitment from rural and monastic communities, he increased the to over 1,000 by the eve of Soviet dissolution, fostering a cadre committed to liturgical purity and Georgian liturgical over Russified practices imposed earlier. Ilia II also emphasized outreach to youth as a strategic reform to stem generational disconnection from faith, organizing informal catechetical sessions and youth pilgrimages to historic sites despite state surveillance. This focus addressed the demographic threat posed by urbanization and atheism, with early initiatives laying groundwork for post-Soviet resurgence in religious participation among younger Georgians. These measures, conducted prudently to avoid provoking KGB crackdowns, marked a cautious yet effective pivot toward reclaiming the Church's societal role under constrained conditions.

Domestic Influence and Initiatives

Relations with Georgian Politics

Ilia II has advocated for restoring a in Georgia as a means to ensure political stability and protect national interests. In a delivered on October 7, 2007, he argued that a , unbound by electoral cycles, would prioritize citizens' welfare over partisan gains, citing Spain's post-Franco transition as a model where facilitated . He reaffirmed this position in June 2017, stating that fosters peace in state affairs and aligns with Georgia's historical traditions as one of Europe's oldest , though he emphasized it would require careful analysis of past and future contexts rather than immediate implementation. Throughout his tenure, Ilia II has exercised influence through and rather than overt partisanship, often intervening to de-escalate political tensions and promote unity. The , under his leadership, benefits from a 2002 constitutional with the state that accords it privileges such as exemptions, power over non-Orthodox religious registrations, and a role in public education on faith matters, embedding ecclesiastical authority in without formal political control. In December 2015, he publicly suggested extending patriarchal authority to include pardons for convicts, framing it as a spiritual complement to state justice. Relations with successive governments reflect pragmatic engagement tempered by critiques of policies diverging from traditional values. Ilia II initially backed President Mikheil Saakashvili's post-Rose Revolution reforms but distanced himself after the 2008 , faulting the government's military decisions for exacerbating national suffering. In October 2021, amid Saakashvili's imprisonment and following his return to Georgia, Ilia II urged him to cease the protest and embrace spiritual reflection, conveying blessings via a church envoy. Under the Georgian Dream governments since 2012, ties have warmed, particularly on resistance to secular liberalization, with Ilia II meeting founder multiple times and receiving congratulatory messages on church milestones. Following 's victory in the , 2024, parliamentary elections—preliminary results showing 53.93% of the vote amid opposition fraud allegations—Ilia II congratulated the party on , 2024, attributing the outcome to divine will and exhorting rulers and opposition to collaborate for prosperity, faith preservation, and avoidance of division. This stance aligns with the party's August 2024 proposal to constitutionally designate as Georgia's , a measure the has not opposed. Critics, including secular analysts, contend Ilia II's behind-the-scenes role amplifies the Church's sway over policy, potentially at the expense of pluralism, though his public appeals consistently prioritize national cohesion over endorsement of any faction.

Efforts to Address Demographic Decline

In response to Georgia's acute demographic crisis, characterized by fertility rates below replacement level and net contributing to a projected to under 3 million by 2050, Ilia II initiated a program in December 2007 to personally baptize any third or higher-parity child born to married Georgian Orthodox parents. This incentive aimed to encourage larger families amid a that had hovered around 1.5-1.6 births per woman in the mid-2000s, exacerbating aging and labor shortages. The baptism campaign commenced with mass ceremonies in 2008 at Tbilisi's Holy Trinity Cathedral, where Ilia II has officiated thousands of such rites, including a single event in January 2017 involving 780 infants. By 2025, over 40,000 third-and-higher parity children had been baptized under the program, representing a substantial portion—approximately 5-6%—of total births in Georgia during that period. Empirical analyses attribute a measurable uptick in to the initiative, with Georgia's rising from 10.4 per 1,000 in to peaks around 13-14 per 1,000 in subsequent years, coinciding with the program's rollout and sustained through cultural reinforcement of traditional within the Orthodox community. A study confirms the intervention's causal role in elevating higher-order births, distinguishing it from concurrent economic factors. Ilia II complemented this by publicly urging emigrants to repatriate, framing recovery as a national and spiritual imperative tied to Georgia's historical and . Despite these efforts, long-term demographic pressures persist, with rates reverting toward sub-replacement levels by the early .

Advocacy for Traditional Governance

![Ilia II with David Bagrationi Mukhrani](./assets/Patriarch_Ilia_II_and_HRH_David_Bagrationi_Mukhrani_Mukran−Batoni(Mukran-Batoni_(%E1%83%9B%E1%83%A3%E1%83%AE%E1%83%A0%E1%83%90%E1%83%9C%E1%83%91%E1%83%90%E1%83%A2%E1%83%9D%E1%83%9C%E1%83%98) Ilia II has advocated for the restoration of a in Georgia, positioning it as a traditional form of that promotes stability and national unity, drawing on the country's historical legacy as one of Europe's oldest ies. In a televised on October 7, 2007, he argued that a could better safeguard citizens' interests compared to republican systems, referencing stable examples such as under King Juan Carlos and the . This stance aligned with growing monarchist sentiments in Georgia amid political instability following the . On June 18, 2017, during a sermon, Ilia II emphasized that " brings peace," suggesting Georgia revisit this model to achieve societal quietude, while noting it could not occur immediately or tomorrow. He reiterated this view in discussions, including a meeting with parliamentary speaker , where the establishment of a was explored as a potential path forward. Ilia II's support extends to the , historically Georgia's royal house, as evidenced by his public engagements with David Bagrationi Mukhrani, a prominent dynastic claimant, underscoring a preference for governance rooted in hereditary legitimacy over elected . This advocacy reflects Ilia II's broader emphasis on preserving Georgia's Orthodox Christian heritage against modern political flux, viewing as a bulwark for traditional values amid perceived republican volatility. His positions have influenced public discourse, though they remain aspirational without formal policy enactment.

International Stance

Engagement with Russian Orthodoxy

Ilia II has consistently advocated for maintaining dialogue between the (GOC) and the (ROC), emphasizing ties as a foundation for broader reconciliation despite geopolitical strains following the 2008 . In a November 2011 meeting in with , Ilia II described the close relations between the two churches as a "firm foundation for our peoples' friendship," underscoring his view that spiritual bonds should transcend political conflicts. This stance positioned him as the sole high-ranking Georgian figure to preserve official contacts with Russian counterparts after the war severed most state-level ties. Key engagements included multiple visits to , such as in January 2012 for bilateral discussions hosted by the Moscow Patriarchate, where Ilia II was welcomed at Vnukovo Airport and participated in joint services. During a 2013 visit, he highlighted "fraternal" historical relations between Georgia and , mediating informally between political and military entities amid ongoing tensions. These interactions focused on canonical issues, notably the schism, where in November 2017, the GOC and ROC announced a joint diplomatic initiative to restore unity under Tbilisi's jurisdiction, reflecting Ilia II's prioritization of church over national disputes. On disputed territories, Ilia II expressed gratitude to Kirill in November 2016 for the ROC's affirmation that remains canonical territory of the GOC, despite Russia's political recognition of Abkhazian . This position aligned with his broader efforts to leverage Orthodox solidarity for GOC's jurisdictional claims. In the context of the Russian-Ukrainian Orthodox , Ilia II sent a letter in April 2023 to Ecumenical Bartholomew supporting the ROC's opposition to the 2019 granting of to the , illustrating his alignment with on matters of canonical order while navigating Georgia's pro-Western leanings. Critics within Georgia have scrutinized these engagements for potentially enabling Russian , yet Ilia II has framed them as pragmatic preservation of Orthodox unity, separate from state aggression, drawing on the GOC's historical restored in 1917. His approach has sustained institutional , including reciprocal congratulations on name days and jubilees, as seen in Kirill's 2025 message lauding Ilia II's piety amid his long tenure.

Positions on Broader Orthodox Conflicts

Ilia II has consistently advocated for preserving canonical unity within amid escalating jurisdictional disputes, emphasizing dialogue over despite geopolitical pressures on Georgia. In response to the 2018-2019 granting of to the by the , the under his leadership refrained from recognition, citing concerns over procedural irregularities and the risk of broader fragmentation. This stance, articulated in official statements from October 2018, positioned Georgia alongside churches like and Antioch in withholding endorsement, prioritizing stability over alignment with Constantinople's decision. The 2022 intensified scrutiny of Ilia II's positions, as he issued appeals for an immediate cessation of hostilities while critiquing actions perceived as targeting the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the . In a March 25, 2023, letter to Ecumenical Bartholomew I, Ilia II expressed profound sorrow over the war's "fratricidal" nature—likening it to the biblical murder of Abel—and urged restraint against breaking eucharistic communion with , arguing that most clergy and faithful in the Moscow-aligned Ukrainian church had demonstrated loyalty to their nation. He specifically condemned Ukraine's planned eviction of monks from the , a historically significant site under Moscow's canonical oversight, as an infringement on religious freedoms that could exacerbate divisions. This intervention, which implicitly defended the integrity of the pre-autocephaly Ukrainian church structure, drew domestic backlash in Georgia for appearing sympathetic to Russian ecclesiastical interests amid the country's pro-Western aspirations. Ilia II's approach reflects a broader wariness of Constantinople's primatial claims, rooted in Georgia's ancient dating to the , which historically resisted subordination to external patriarchates. During the 2008 , he publicly decried Russian aerial bombardments on Georgian Orthodox sites, underscoring that military aggression against co-religionists undermines pan-Orthodox solidarity, yet he maintained ecclesiastical ties with post-conflict. His positions have navigated tensions between Georgia's / aspirations and the Orthodox world's interdependence, often favoring synodal consensus over unilateral actions that could lead to isolation, as evidenced by Georgia's abstention from the 2016 Holy and Great Council document on and relations with other Christian confessions. Critics, including some Georgian theologians, have accused this caution of undue deference to , though Ilia II frames it as safeguarding Orthodoxy's conciliar against modernist encroachments.

Social Teachings

Views on Family and Morality

Ilia II has consistently advocated for the traditional as the foundational unit of Georgian , rooted in Orthodox Christian teachings that emphasize between one man and one woman as the sole legitimate context for procreation and child-rearing. He has described the as the "cornerstone of society," urging to uphold its sanctity amid perceived threats from secular ideologies. In 2014, Ilia II established May 17 as the Day of Sanctity and for Parents, explicitly in response to international observances promoting LGBT rights, framing it as a peaceful affirmation of Georgia's traditional values rather than opposition to any group. This annual event includes mass blessings of s and public prayers for family purity, with Ilia II participating in ceremonies that highlight marital and parental . He has endorsed related initiatives, such as the 2016 in , blessing gatherings focused on preserving heterosexual and opposing non-traditional family models. On marriage, Ilia II has rejected same-sex unions, condemning the 2015 U.S. decision legalizing them as a "big mistake" that contravenes . He has instructed the to resist EU integration pressures that might require abandoning protections for traditional structures or exposing minors to what he terms LGBT propaganda. In 2013, he called for authorities to ban a planned gay-rights rally in , arguing it undermined societal moral order. Regarding , Ilia II views it as incompatible with Orthodox morality when promoted publicly or legally, though his statements prioritize defense of norms over individual condemnation. To combat Georgia's demographic decline, Ilia II launched a pronatalist program in 2012, pledging to personally baptize and serve as godfather to any third or subsequent child born to married Orthodox couples, which reportedly contributed to a temporary rise in birth rates. This initiative underscores his moral emphasis on large families as a patriotic and spiritual duty, aligning with broader church efforts to foster fertility within traditional households. Ilia II has not issued prominent public statements on , but the under his leadership adheres to canonical prohibitions against it except in cases endangering the mother's life, viewing it as a grave sin against nascent human life.

Opposition to Liberal Ideologies

Ilia II has critiqued elements of Western liberal ideologies for emphasizing material and individual pursuits at the expense of spiritual and communal values. In a December 26, 2004, , he characterized the West as a "soulless space oriented towards physical ," highlighting a perceived deficiency in transcendent moral frameworks that prioritize eternal over temporal concerns. This perspective aligns with broader church teachings under his leadership that contrast Orthodox communal ethics with liberal , which is seen as eroding national cohesion and faith-based . His opposition extends to the propagation of ideologies conflicting with traditional Christian , including support for state measures to curb their dissemination. In 2016, Ilia II publicly condemned "gay propaganda" and urged lawmakers to prohibit it, framing such influences as threats to societal moral order. Similarly, in 2025, the , reflecting his longstanding positions, defended restricting LGBT-related advocacy as essential for preserving purity and shielding minors, while rejecting EU demands to it as incompatible with Georgia's cultural heritage. Ilia II has maintained that Georgia's European aspirations must exclude the adoption of values antithetical to Orthodox principles, advocating a selective integration that safeguards against liberal secular pressures. Supporters within the church, such as Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Tkibuli, credit his tenure with dismantling "false ideologies" from to , portrayed as modern idolatries fostering separation from divine truth through distorted freedoms rooted in carnality and . These stances underscore a commitment to causal primacy of in countering ideological shifts that, in his view, undermine empirical social stability derived from time-tested absolutes.

Responses to Homosexuality and Secularism

Ilia II has articulated a firm opposition to , aligning with traditional Orthodox doctrine by classifying it as a profound moral transgression. In a sermon on March 29, 2016, at in , he declared homosexuality "such a grave that it is considered improper to speak about it in church," emphasizing that the sin's name should not even be uttered in sacred contexts. He further condemned efforts to legalize same-sex marriages as astonishing and incompatible with Georgia's spiritual heritage, asserting that "the Georgian nation will never be able to accept those things that go against ." This stance manifested in direct interventions against public expressions of gay rights. On May 16, 2013, ahead of a planned rally in marking the International Day Against Homophobia, Ilia II appealed to authorities to ban the event, describing it as "an insult to Georgian tradition" and reiterating that represents "an anomaly and disease." The rally proceeded under police protection but faced violent disruption by Orthodox clergy and demonstrators, an outcome Ilia II did not explicitly condemn, later characterizing the priests' actions as merely "impolite." Ilia II extended his critique to legislative measures perceived as endorsing such views. Responding to Georgia's 2014 Anti-Discrimination Act, which included protections based on to align with European standards, he stated that "no believing person can ever accept the so-called Anti-Discrimination Act," framing its provisions as the "legalization of abominations" and a grave that legitimizes unlawfulness. Ilia II's responses to emphasize resistance to external ideologies that erode Orthodox moral foundations, particularly when they normalize what he terms longstanding s. In the same 2016 sermon, he observed that "what has always been a is regarded by many people as something natural," critiquing globalizing secular trends while advocating discernment to select only soul-enriching elements for Georgia. Under his patriarchate, the has opposed EU recommendations—issued as recently as July 2025—that urge repeal of laws safeguarding traditional family definitions, viewing them as impositions threatening national and ecclesiastical values. This reflects a broader preference for church-state over rigid separation, where secular policies conflicting with are deemed illegitimate.

Controversies and Criticisms

Allegations of Foreign Influence

In 2021, leaked Georgian security service files alleged extensive Russian influence within the (GOC), including claims that Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II faced pressure from to appoint pro-Russian to key positions, such as Metropolitan Shio Mujiri of Senaki and Tkibuli. These documents, originating from illegal wiretaps, purportedly detailed ties between senior GOC figures and Russian entities like the Orthodox People's International Fund, as well as criticisms from who believed Ilia II's decisions aligned with Russian interests despite his public neutrality. The leaks fueled suspicions of coordinated influence operations, though their authenticity and motives—amid internal church scandals—remain contested, with some viewing them as politically motivated by pro-Western factions wary of the GOC's sway over . Critics, including Georgian opposition figures and analysts, have long pointed to Ilia II's birthplace in (then in the ) and early career in as potential vectors for lingering influence, with fringe theories labeling him a former operative orchestrating pro-Russian policies from within the church. More substantively, Ilia II's reluctance to explicitly condemn Russia's occupation of since 2008 has drawn accusations of deference to , contrasting with the GOC's canonical independence from the (ROC). His 2008 visit to for Patriarch Alexy II's funeral, accompanied by allegedly pro-Russian delegates, intensified claims of alignment, particularly as the GOC has prioritized theological ties with over Western ecclesiastical engagement. A pivotal incident occurred in March 2023, when Ilia II dispatched a letter to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I endorsing the ROC's opposition to Ukraine's Orthodox autocephaly, framing it as preserving canonical order amid geopolitical tensions. This stance elicited sharp domestic backlash, with theologians and pro-EU advocates decrying it as tacit support for Russian narratives on the Ukraine war, potentially undermining Georgia's Western aspirations. Ilia II defended the missive as a non-political appeal for Orthodox unity, but detractors, citing the GOC's history of deferring to Moscow on schisms, argued it exemplified systemic Russian leverage, especially given Russia's use of religious soft power in the Caucasus. No verified evidence has emerged of direct financial or operational control by foreign powers over Ilia II personally, and the GOC maintains its , with Ilia II occasionally mediating conflicts to assert independence. Nonetheless, the allegations persist amid Georgia's polarized politics, where the church's conservative rhetoric is scrutinized for obstructing integration by amplifying Russian-aligned cultural narratives. Sources advancing these claims often stem from leaks or opposition media, warranting caution due to potential biases in a context of hybrid threats from and domestic power struggles.

Internal Church Tensions

During Ilia II's long tenure as Catholicos-Patriarch, the (GOC) experienced internal divisions exacerbated by his advanced age and health concerns, leading to rivalries over succession and influence. By 2020, with Ilia II at 87 years old and having led the church for over 42 years, tensions arose among hierarchs competing for control of the church's future direction, including its stance on issues like the of the . Factions emerged, with some bishops aligning pro-Western positions—such as nine of 47 favoring recognition of Ukraine's —while others resisted, reflecting broader ideological splits within the clergy. A significant unfolded in 2017 when Giorgi Mamaladze was detained on February 2 at airport, accused of attempting to poison Ilia II or his secretary with hidden in a labeled as . Mamaladze was convicted and sentenced to nine years in prison in September 2017, though conspiracy theories persisted, linking the incident to power struggles and external political pressures rather than a lone act. Further tensions peaked in October 2019 amid a meeting, where Petre Tsaava publicly accused Ilia II and other senior officials of and , claiming involvement with underage boys and citing unnamed witnesses and victims. Tsaava linked his during the meeting to his exposure of these alleged sins and tied the claims to support for Mamaladze's innocence in the case. The Synod dismissed the allegations as unfounded , physically ejecting Tsaava, while the accusations fueled perceptions of moral decay and power abuses within the hierarchy. Succession maneuvers intensified these rifts; on November 23, 2017, Ilia II designated Bishop Shio Mujiri as "guardian of the patriarch’s throne," positioning him as a potential heir amid reported backing from influential figures like . In October 2019, Bishop Jacob alleged a state-orchestrated plot to oust Ilia II in favor of Shio, highlighting intersections between church internal dynamics and Georgian politics. These events risked eroding the GOC's public trust and authority, potentially accelerating secular influences post-Ilia II.

Public Reactions to Statements

In 2014, Ilia II's New Year's described children born via or as likely to face psychological problems in adulthood, prompting immediate public backlash including protests outside the Georgian Orthodox Church's headquarters in , where demonstrators clashed with police and chanted against the patriarch. Several government ministers, including those from the ruling coalition, publicly criticized the remarks as insensitive to infertile couples, with Justice Minister Tea Tsulukiani calling them outdated and urging the church to focus on spiritual guidance rather than . Supporters within conservative circles defended the statement as a defense of natural family structures, but the controversy highlighted tensions between the church's moral authority and emerging reproductive technologies, contributing to broader debates on church influence in secular policy. Ilia II's opposition to LGBT-related initiatives drew sharp reactions, particularly following the 2013 violence during International Day Against Homophobia () events in , where his prior calls for the government to prohibit such gatherings were blamed by advocates for inciting mob attacks on activists. In response, he established as "Family Purity Day" to promote traditional values, a move praised by Orthodox faithful and conservative groups for reinforcing biblical family norms but condemned by NGOs and the Public Defender's Office as exacerbating homophobia and marginalizing minorities. The Georgian Orthodox Church's 2014 statement against an anti-discrimination bill—framed as legalization of "propaganda" for non-traditional orientations—further polarized , with progressive media and international observers accusing it of hindering Georgia's integration, while polls indicated sustained high approval among the devout majority for the church's stance on morality. In March 2023, Ilia II's expressing concern over the Ukrainian government's actions regarding the provoked domestic criticism from pro-Western Georgians and opposition figures, who interpreted it as insufficiently condemning Russian aggression in and overly sympathetic to Moscow-aligned Orthodox narratives. Critics, including analysts from JAM-News, argued the statement undermined Georgia's solidarity with amid its own history of Russian occupation, fueling online debates and calls for the church to depoliticize; however, church loyalists viewed it as a principled defense of against secular overreach. This episode underscored Ilia II's balancing act between Orthodox unity and national , with reactions split along ideological lines in a society where church trust remains high despite episodic controversies. More recently, the patriarchate's July 2025 critique of recommendations—defending traditional values against perceived liberal impositions—elicited supportive responses from conservative parliamentarians and believers, who saw it as safeguarding Georgian sovereignty, but drew rebukes from EU advocates and groups for aligning with anti-progressive rhetoric amid stalled accession talks. Such statements have generally reinforced Ilia II's image as a bulwark against Western secularism among traditionalists, though they occasionally strain relations with reformist elements, as evidenced by declining trust metrics in surveys following high-profile church interventions.

Recognition and Enduring Impact

Awards and Honors

Ilia II has received several ecclesiastical honors within the Orthodox tradition. In 1975, as Metropolitan Ilia, he was granted the right to wear a diamond cross on his , a distinction recognizing seniority and service. As Catholicos-Patriarch, he has been bestowed the highest awards from the primates of multiple autocephalous Orthodox churches, including those of Antioch, , , , , and , affirming his role in inter-Orthodox relations. State and national recognitions include the Order of the Holy King Vakhtang Gorgasali, awarded for his contributions to Georgian spiritual and national life. In 2010, he received a presidential as part of honors for cultural and religious . On February 14, 2024, the Georgian Ministry of Defence presented him with the Medal of Giorgi Chkondidi-Mtsignobartukhutsesi for strengthening spiritual and patriotic values within the armed forces. Additionally, in 2005, he was elected an honorary academician of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences. From royal and interfaith sources, Ilia II holds the Grand Collar of the Order of the Eagle of Georgia and the Seamless Tunic of Our Lord Jesus Christ, conferred by Prince David Bagrationi of Mukhrani. In 2013, he was awarded the Sheikhulislam Order by the Head of the Caucasus Muslims Office, Allahshukur Pashazade, in recognition of ecumenical dialogue. Academic honors encompass multiple honorary doctorates in . These include one from St. Tikhon's Theological Seminary of the American Orthodox Church in 1998, from the New York Theological Academy in an unspecified year prior to 1997 when he was also elected an honorary member, and from the Theological Academy on October 5, 2020, for his leadership in church revival and national unity.

Public Approval and Societal Role

Ilia II has maintained exceptionally high public approval ratings throughout his tenure as Catholicos-Patriarch, consistently ranking as Georgia's most trusted in independent surveys. An (IRI) poll conducted in early 2023 found that 91% of respondents approved of him, far surpassing other political and public leaders such as Mayor (52%) and President Salome Zourabichvili (48%). A prior IRI survey from November 2022 reported an 88% approval rating, again placing him at the top of public figures. Earlier polls, including a 2010 survey cited by indicating 94% trust and a 2014 (NDI) poll naming him the most liked person, underscore this enduring popularity, which stems from his perceived role in the post-Soviet revival of the and national identity. In Georgian society, Ilia II functions as a and unifying beyond duties, often intervening in national crises to promote peace and cohesion. He has publicly advocated for national unity amid political turbulence, as in a December 2024 message emphasizing Georgia's Christian heritage as integral to European civilization and urging avoidance of violence. His influence extends to commemorating historical events, such as marking the 80th anniversary of victory over in May 2025 by highlighting the sacrifices of to underscore the need for peace. This societal role positions him as a national leader, capable of shaping public discourse on ethics, family values, and geopolitical relations, though it has occasionally drawn scrutiny for blurring church-state boundaries.

Prospects for Succession

Ilia II, born on January 4, 1933, has served as since December 25, 1977, making him 92 years old as of 2025 and the longest-serving in the church's modern . Given his advanced age and recent health concerns, including hospitalization for routine check-ups, speculation about succession has intensified within the (GOC), though no formal retirement has been announced. The patriarch's position is typically held for life unless voluntarily resigned, with election by the church's and a broader assembly of and , a process that has historically been influenced by internal alliances and political dynamics. In November 2017, Ilia II issued a decree appointing Shio Mujiri of Senaki and Tkibuli, then aged around 46, as locum tenens (temporary administrator) of the , a move interpreted by observers as grooming a potential successor amid the patriarch's preparations for an eventual transition. Shio, known for his administrative roles and alignment with Ilia II's conservative stances, has been elevated to key positions, including metropolitan in 2017, positioning him as a frontrunner despite lacking widespread charismatic appeal. However, this apparent endorsement has fueled rivalries, with other senior figures such as Metropolitan Iakob of and Khobi and Archpriest Ilia Gogorishvili reportedly maneuvering for influence, exacerbating factionalism within the GOC's . Internal tensions over succession have manifested in public disputes and power struggles, including accusations of undue political interference from Georgia's ruling party, which some clerics view as attempting to back compliant candidates to maintain church-state alignment. As of early 2025, Ilia II remains actively engaged, issuing epistles on spiritual values and blessing national figures like President on December 31, 2024, signaling no imminent vacancy. Analysts warn that a post-Ilia II era could destabilize the church's unifying role in Georgian society, potentially leading to schisms if the election process favors perceived insiders over broader consensus, though Shio's incumbency as locum tenens provides continuity. The outcome will likely hinge on the Synod's composition and lay participation, with risks of prolonged vacancy or contested legitimacy if factions harden.

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