Georgian Patriarch hospitalized
Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia. Photo: Georgian Patriarchate’s Facebook page
On March 16, 2026, Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia was admitted to the hospital due to complications related to his health, the UOJ in Georgia reports.
Patriarch Ilia II is receiving treatment at the Caucasus Medical Center. According to a representative of the clinic, he was hospitalized with a diagnosis of massive gastric bleeding. He has already undergone the necessary medical and diagnostic procedures and is currently in intensive care.
The Patriarchate has called on the faithful to pray for the primate of the Georgian Church. “We ask everyone to pray for us,” the statement says.
Patriarch Ilia II, who is 93, is the oldest primate in the Orthodox Church and has led the Georgian Church since 1977.
He enjoys enormous authority in Georgian society and is regarded as one of the country’s most respected figures, continuing to follow church and public life despite his advanced age.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Georgian Orthodox Church marked the 48th anniversary of the Patriarch’s enthronement.
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