The Death of a Patriarch, Georgia Loses its Guiding and Steady Hand!

The death of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II on March 17, 2026, marks a turning point, exposing both the scale of his legacy and the risks of politicization within Georgia’s religious sphere.

Ilia II stood as the country’s most trusted and respected figure, consistently commanding approval ratings above 90%. He preserved the Church’s survival amid late-Soviet repressions. He then presided over its dramatic revival: restoring churches spared from Bolshevik demolitions and overseeing the construction of hundreds more in independent Georgia.

His legacy as a unifying spiritual anchor — blending deep faith, patriotism, and national resilience — now leaves the Church and country facing an uncertain succession. Ilia II was also a strong advocate of good relations between Georgia and Russia, especially in cultural and religious ties, having said that Russians and Georgians:

“Are brothers and friends of the same faith and should be closer to each other.”

“Are brothers and friends of the same faith and should be closer to each other.”

Quoted by Russian radio, Ilia II also said:

“Georgia needs a strong Russia, like Russia needs a united and friendly Georgia. I think we will achieve this with the help of the Lord.”

“Georgia needs a strong Russia, like Russia needs a united and friendly Georgia. I think we will achieve this with the help of the Lord.”

The Georgian Patriarch was also instrumental in boosting Georgia’s birth rate by becoming godfather to all third or subsequent children born in the country, which tied into his strong support for traditional Christian family values, as well as his opposition to the evils of the Western-backed LGBTQ agenda and liberal globalism, seen in such events as the Church parade for the “Day of the Protection of the Holy Family,” held on May 17th each year.

Needless to say, this strong, noble, and faithful Patriarch infuriated Western embassies, not to mention their governments, and recent years have seen constant attacks on the Church and, by extension, the Patriarch, from Western-funded media and NGOs, EU and US ambassadors, and the LGBTQ* community, which occur even now as he lies in state in Sameba Cathedral in Tbilisi.

Patriarch Ilia II also played a key role in reversing Georgia’s demographic decline by personally becoming godfather to every third or subsequent child born to married Orthodox couples—a policy launched in 2008 that contributed........

© New Eastern Outlook