Georgia declares March 18 day of mourning for Patriarch Ilia II
Flags were lowered outside the government palace during the day of mourning. Photo: UOJ Georgia
On March 18, 2026, Georgia declared a nationwide day of mourning following the death of Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II. According to a government decree, state flags were lowered to half-mast today on all administrative buildings throughout the country, reports Union of Orthodox Journalists in Georgia.
The primate of the Georgian Church died at age 93. According to available reports, he was rushed late on March 17 to the Caucasus Medical Center after suffering severe gastric bleeding. Doctors placed the hierarch in intensive care and put him on mechanical ventilation for several hours. Despite intensive medical treatment, he could not be saved.
Believers across Georgia are mourning the loss of a church leader widely seen as a symbol of national unity. Patriarch Ilia led the Georgian Orthodox Church for decades and played a central role in the revival of Orthodoxy in the country.
As the UOJ reported, in the coming days, the Georgian Orthodox Church is expected to begin preparations for the election of a new Catholicos-Patriarch.
Read also
Greece signs memorandum on protection of Jerusalem Patriarchate's shrines
Next week, the Greek Parliament will ratify a document on the protection of the cultural heritage of the Jerusalem Patriarchate.
Greek bishop calls imposition of same-sex marriage a threat
Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythera urged families to become a “domestic church” amid threats to the Christian family in Greek laws and school curricula.
Patriarch Bartholomew arrives in Budapest for opening of Orthodox center
The Ecumenical Patriarch has arrived in Hungary, where he will preside over the consecration of the Orthodox center "Phanarion."
OCU raiders stage attack on seized church in Kyiv, media
OCU "hierarch" Serhiy Horobtsov published a provocative post online regarding St. John's Church in Bykivnia seized by his people.