# Ilia II of Georgia

> Patriarch of Georgia (1933–2026)

**Wikidata**: [Q511502](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q511502)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilia_II_of_Georgia)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ilia-ii-of-georgia

## Summary
Ilia II of Georgia was the Patriarch of Georgia from 1933 to 2026, serving as the highest-ranking bishop in the Georgian Orthodox Church. His tenure spanned over nine decades, making him a central figure in religious and cultural life during a period of significant political and social change in Georgia.

## Biography
- Born: January 4, 1933
- Nationality: Georgian
- Education: Moscow Theological Academy
- Known for: Leading the Georgian Orthodox Church during a turbulent historical period
- Employer(s): Georgian Orthodox Church
- Field(s): Religious leadership, theological scholarship

## Contributions
Ilia II of Georgia served as the patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church, overseeing religious institutions and maintaining spiritual leadership during a time of political upheaval, including Georgia's transition from Soviet rule to independence. His role was pivotal in preserving Georgian religious identity and traditions amid broader societal changes.

## FAQs
- **What was Ilia II of Georgia's role in the Georgian Orthodox Church?** Ilia II served as the patriarch, the highest-ranking bishop, overseeing religious affairs and maintaining the church's spiritual authority during a period of significant political and social transformation in Georgia.
- **Where was Ilia II of Georgia educated?** He studied at the Moscow Theological Academy, a seminary affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church.
- **What awards did Ilia II of Georgia receive?** He was honored with awards including the Presidential Order of Excellence, the Order of David Agmashenebeli, the Order of Vakhtang Gorgasali, and the Order of Merit from Ukraine, among others.
- **What was Ilia II of Georgia's nationality?** He was a Georgian citizen, reflecting his deep ties to the country and its religious heritage.

## Why They Matter
Ilia II of Georgia's leadership during a period of profound historical change in Georgia ensured the continuity of religious traditions and spiritual guidance. His work helped maintain the Georgian Orthodox Church's identity and influence, providing a stabilizing force amid political and social upheaval. His tenure was marked by both resilience and adaptation, preserving the church's role in Georgian society.

## Notable For
- Served as patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church for over nine decades
- Received multiple awards, including the Presidential Order of Excellence and the Order of David Agmashenebeli
- Played a key role in preserving religious traditions during Georgia's transition from Soviet rule to independence
- Affiliated with the Moscow Theological Academy, contributing to theological scholarship and religious leadership

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Ilia II of Georgia was born on January 4, 1933, in Georgia. He received his theological education at the Moscow Theological Academy, a seminary with ties to the Russian Orthodox Church, which provided him with a strong foundation in religious studies and leadership.

### Religious Leadership
Ilia II served as the patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church from 1933 until his death in 2026. His tenure spanned over nine decades, a period marked by significant political and social changes in Georgia, including the country's transition from Soviet rule to independence in 1991. His role as patriarch was pivotal in maintaining the spiritual and religious identity of Georgia during this transformative era.

### Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Ilia II received numerous awards and honors, including the Presidential Order of Excellence, the Order of David Agmashenebeli, the Order of Vakhtang Gorgasali, and the Order of Merit from Ukraine. These accolades recognized his contributions to religious leadership and his role in preserving Georgian religious traditions.

### Legacy
Ilia II of Georgia's legacy is deeply tied to the preservation of the Georgian Orthodox Church's identity and influence. His leadership during a period of profound historical change ensured the continuity of religious traditions and spiritual guidance, providing a stabilizing force amid political and social upheaval. His work helped maintain the church's role in Georgian society, making him a central figure in the country's religious and cultural life.

## References

1. Biographical Dictionary of Georgia
2. WorldCat Entities
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. MusicBrainz
5. [Ilia II, patriarch who led Georgian Church out of the Soviet Union, dies at 93. Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/ilia-ii-patriarch-who-led-georgian-church-out-soviet-union-dies-93-2026-03-17/)
6. [Умер патриарх всея Грузии Илия II, авторитет и лидер нации. BBC Online. 2026](https://www.bbc.com/russian/articles/cld4wgxzx4ko)
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013