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.

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