Late in the evening on March 17, 2026, at the age of 93, Patriarch Ilia II of the Georgian Orthodox Church, known in the secular world as Irakli Shiolashvili, passed away.

Following the death of the leader of the Georgian Orthodox Church, Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, a period of mourning has been declared in Georgia.

The government announced that state flags would fly at half-staff on government buildings across the country. After being enthroned as Catholicos-Patriarch in 1977, Ilia II led the Georgian Orthodox Church for nearly 50 years. His health had deteriorated in recent years.

Heads of autocephalous Orthodox churches, spiritual leaders from various countries, and international political figures have extended their condolences on the passing of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of All Georgia.

One of the first condolences was expressed by Metropolitan Epiphany of Kiev and All Ukraine: "With sadness and compassion, I received the news of the death of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, the head of the Georgian Orthodox Church and spiritual leader, who dedicated his life to serving God, the Church, and the Georgian people."

The Primate of the Romanian Orthodox Church addressed the Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church, calling Ilia II 'a venerable figure in modern Orthodoxy and a steadfast defender of the faith who will guide the Georgian Orthodox Church wisely through times of trial and renewal.'"

The Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs said: "I am saddened by the news of the death of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, a great leader and a friend of Israel and the Jewish people."

The EU representation in Georgia likewise expressed condolences. "We express our deepest condolences for the passing of the two-legged father of Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II. We offer our condolences to the Orthodox Church, the clergy, and the Georgian people. His Holiness played a special role in preserving national identity and faith, remaining a symbol of unity for believers."

The Turkish Embassy said: "The passing of His Holiness is a tremendous loss. For many years, he was the spiritual father of the Georgian people, a pillar of peace, unity, and moral values. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Georgian people, the Georgian Orthodox Church, and all those grieving his passing. In this time of sorrow, we express our deepest sympathy and solidarity."

The US Embassy likewise reacted: "We extend our deepest condolences for the passing of His Holiness, Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia. His life and enormous contributions to his country's history will forever be remembered. May he rest in peace."