Georgian hierarch: I am certain Patriarch Ilia will be canonized very soon
Metropolitan Nikolai (Pachuashvili). Photo: UOJ
Metropolitan Nikolai (Pachuashvili) of Akhalkalaki, Kumurdo, and Kari, speaking with journalists, said that the canonization process for the newly reposed Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II, could begin in the shortest possible time, UOJ in Georgia reports.
“I am certain that canonization should take place very soon,” Metropolitan Nikolai said. “It is possible even today.” According to the hierarch, it is the flock itself that is raising the question of the Primate’s glorification, since the people’s love for the departed elder leaves the bishops with no other choice.
“One great door has closed, but we hope that an even greater one will open,” the hierarch explained. “I think that even if we, the members of the Synod, do not raise this question, the people will force us to speak about canonization.”
The hierarch recalled that Church history knows many examples in which the official recognition of holiness began immediately after the repose of an ascetic. In this connection, he mentioned Ignatius the God-Bearer, Martin of Tours, and Anthony the Great. In the metropolitan’s view, the main grounds for glorification are “universal veneration, hope, and the people’s reverence.”
Although the final decision on the matter lies within the competence of the Holy Synod, public sentiment and the respect of society play a decisive role in the process.
The UOJ is conducting a live online broadcast of the events.
Read also
UOC priest wounded in drone strike in Bilopillia
Priest Maxim Andrukhov received shrapnel wounds to his hand, head and leg, his mother Valentina was also injured.
Culture Ministry allows possibility of handing Lavra’s “Afghan” church to OCU
The Ministry of Culture is ready to consider handing over to the OCU the Resurrection Church of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, known as the “Afghan” church.
In Cyprus, enthronement of new Metropolitan of Paphos held amid protests
The enthronement of the new Paphos hierarch was performed by Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus at St. Theodore’s Cathedral.
Official complains that believers are defending monastery in Kremenets
The director of the Kremenets Reserve complained that a large number of believers gathered at the monastery to support the monastic community during an attempted inspection.
Two monks tonsured into Great Schema at Sviatohirsk Lavra
By the blessing of Metropolitan Arseniy, the tonsure was performed privately: for two of the monastery's eldest monks, aged 89 and 82.
Phanar head mentions Dumenko at Liturgy with Patriarchs of Bulgaria and Romania
The Bulgarian and Romanian Churches have not made decisions to recognize the OCU.