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
Sand for construction of Yermak’s residence brought from cemetery, MP says
MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak said that sand illegally removed from a cemetery in Ukrainka was used in the construction of the elite Dynasty cooperative in Kozyn.
Israeli soldiers receive jail terms for mocking statue of the Virgin Mary
Those involved in the act of sacrilege in the village of Debel will spend several weeks behind bars for desecrating a statue of the Mother of God.
Serbian Church officially receives back land of 15th-century monastery
An agreement was signed in Belgrade transferring the territory of the ancient Vojlovica Monastery to the Banat Eparchy.
Pat Daniiel comments on conflict between Phanar bishop and community in Turkey
The Bulgarian Primate believes that the hierarch of the Constantinople Patriarchate should not have forced the Bulgarian community in Edirne to serve in Greek.
Patriarch Bartholomew congratulates Patriarch Shio on his election
In his message of congratulations, Patriarch Bartholomew called for joint witness before the world within the framework of “pan-Orthodox unity.”
Georgian priest in Germany: Patriarch Shio will preserve Ilia II’s legacy
Priest Elias Schlepegrell, who was present at the election in Tbilisi, said there is a clear disposition toward preserving Ilia II’s line and the unity of the Georgian Church.