Yesterday evening, March 17, 2026, the Lord took to Himself a man who meant so much to Orthodox Georgians—and not only Georgians—in the twentieth and twenty-first century that it is almost impossible to describe. Patriarch Ilia II brought peace and faith back to Georgia, and was for many years considered the most trusted figure in the whole country. As a tribute to this great man, we present this film by Neophyte Studio, made during his lifetime.
Patriarch Ilia of Georgia’s Final Address to His Flock
His Holiness Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia reposed in the Lord on March 17 at the age of 93. He served God and the holy Orthodox Church in the episcopal dignity for sixty-three years, including the last forty-eight of his life as primate of the Georgian Orthodox Church.
He was greatly loved both within and without Georgia, revered as a wise spiritual leader who revived the Georgian Church after the long decades of communist rule.
His last address to his Georgian flock came on the eve of Great Lent.
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The hour of the Great Fast is at hand…
This is the most special time of the year—a forty-day span filled with heartfelt grief, repentance, gratitude, and at the same time hope, to which we also add Holy Week.
Observing this fast is essential for all who consider themselves Orthodox Christians (save those with serious health conditions), so that, according to our strength, we may worthily meet the glorious day of the Savior’s Resurrection.
Forget mutual offenses, be reconciled with those at enmity with you, do not respond to those who speak evil. Intensify your prayer, constantly says the Jesus Prayer and the prayer to the Theotokos (“The door of compassion open unto us, O blessed Theotokos…”), as well as Psalm 50. Be strengthened each week through Confession and Communion, and clothe yourselves in love, peace, and goodness.
May God bless each one of you, forgive you your sins, and grant you the strength to be called faithful sons and daughters of God.
My spiritual children, I ask you also to forgive me my sins and weakness.
Ever praying for you,
† Ilia II
Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia
Public Relations Service of the Georgian Orthodox Church
Edited by Jesse Dominick
