Tbilisi, February 25, 2019
Photo: agenda.ge
His Holiness Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia became ill during the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, though his condition is now stable, reports Interfax-Religion.
According to the Patriarch’s personal physician Tsisana Shartava, he began to feel dizzy during the service at Holy Trinity Cathedral, though it passed and he did not need hospitalization.
Due to his health, he was unable to preach the sermon as he usually does. His Holiness also became ill while delivering a sermon in July.
The Patriarch’s health is stable and he is resting in the Patriarchal residence, Shartava said. “Apparently there was a moment of discomfort,” she said.
His Holiness has had several health complications in the past few years. He underwent a surgery on his cardiovascular system in 2015; he suffered from a gall bladder inflammation and subsequent complications in late 2016-early 2017; and in February 2017 he underwent gall bladder surgery.
Pat. Ilia, the most beloved man in Georgia, announced a Locum Tenens for the patriarchal throne on November 23, 2017, appointing His Eminence Metropolitan Shio (Mudzhiri) of Senaki and Chkhorotsqu to the position, presumably in view of the patriarch’s failing health. His Holiness was not able to attend the celebrations in Moscow in November-December 2017 for the 100th anniversary of the restoration of the patriarchate in the Russian Church due to health concerns.
In February last year he was diagnosed with an inflamed facial nerve.
May God grant His Holiness Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II many years!
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