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Ilia 2Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta and Tbilisi
Date of Birth: 04.01.1933
Country:  Georgia |
Content:
Biography of Ilia II
Ilia II, born Irakli Georgevich Gudushauri-Shiolashvili on January 4, 1933, is the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia and the Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi. He was born in the city of Ordzhonikidze (now Vladikavkaz, North Ossetia) to Georgian immigrant parents.
Early Life and Education
After completing his secondary education, Ilia II enrolled in the Moscow Theological Seminary in 1952, and later continued his studies at the Moscow Theological Academy. In 1959, he took monastic vows. Upon completing his studies in 1960, he was asked to continue his academic work, but due to a shortage of clergy, he returned to his homeland and was assigned to serve at the Batumi Cathedral. In recognition of his faithful service, he was elevated to the rank of hegumen in 1961, and later to the rank of archimandrite. On August 26, 1963, Catholicos-Patriarch Ephraim II ordained him as a bishop and appointed him as the Bishop of Shemokmedi and Patriarchal Chorepiscopus. During this time, from 1963 to 1972, Bishop Ilia also served as the rector of the Mtskheta Theological Seminary, the only theological educational institution in Georgia at that time.
Leadership and Achievements
In 1967, Bishop Ilia was transferred to the Abkhazian Diocese and was elevated to the rank of metropolitan in 1969. Following the passing of Catholicos-Patriarch David V on November 9, 1977, he was appointed as the Locum Tenens of the Patriarchate, and on December 23, 1977, he was elected as the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. His enthronement took place on December 25, 1977, under the name Ilia II. From 1978 to 1983, Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II served as the President of the World Council of Churches. He has been honored with the highest awards from the patriarchates of Antioch, Jerusalem, Alexandria, Russia, Georgia, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, and almost all Orthodox churches worldwide. The New York Theological Academy awarded him an honorary doctorate in theology.
During his leadership, Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II has made significant contributions to the development of spiritual and religious life in Georgia. New theological educational institutions were opened in different parts of the country, including seminaries in Batumi, Akhaltsikhe, and Kutaisi, as well as a theological school and gymnasium in Khulo. Under his guidance, the Gelati Academy of Sciences and the Gelati Academy, under the auspices of the Church, were restored after many centuries. With his blessing, the Bible was published in modern Georgian, along with theological collections, newspapers, brochures, books, and calendars. He initiated the establishment of various departments within the Patriarchate, including missionary and evangelization departments, publishing, search and protection of holy relics, relations with the military and law enforcement agencies, as well as financial, economic, foreign policy, and information departments. He founded the youth center "Dzlevai," the humanitarian service, and the pilgrimage service, among others.
Under his leadership, the number of dioceses of the Georgian Orthodox Church increased from 15 to 27, and the number of active monasteries in Georgia grew to 53. Several new saints were canonized. The construction of the largest cathedral in the country, the Holy Trinity Cathedral, began to commemorate the 2000th anniversary of the Nativity and the 1500th anniversary of autocephaly. These achievements represent only a small part of what has been accomplished under the blessing of His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II.
Furthermore, Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II is an undisputed spiritual leader of the Georgian people, and his opinions on key issues of public life are valued by both ordinary citizens and political elites.
