Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II, celebrates his 91st birthday today.

Born Irakli Shiolashvili on January 4, 1933, in Vladikavkaz to Giorgi Ghudushaur-Shiolashvili and Natalia Kobaidze, Ilia II has played a significant role in the religious leadership of Georgia.

After completing his education at Vladikavkaz Secondary School No. 22 in 1952, he pursued studies at the Moscow Theological Seminary and later graduated from the Moscow Theological Academy in 1960.Ilia II embarked on his spiritual journey in 1957 when he was ordained as a monk, taking the name Ilia. Subsequently, on April 18, 1957, he became a hierodeacon in the Patriarchal Church of Sioni, followed by his appointment as a priest-nun in the Lavra of St. Sergy’s Monastery on May 10, 1959.

Upon returning to Georgia, Ilia II served as a priest in Batumi Cathedral. His dedication and service were recognized when, on December 19, 1961, he was promoted to the rank of Abbot and later, on September 16, 1961, to the rank of Archimandrite. His commitment continued as he was appointed Chorebishop of the Catholicos-Patriarch on August 26, 1963.

From 1963 to 1972, Ilia II served as the first rector of Mtskheta Theological Seminary. In 1967, he was transferred to the diocese of Abkhazia, holding the position of the bishop of Tskhum-Abkhazia (currently Russian-occupied Abkhazia region). Recognizing his contributions, he was raised to the rank of metropolitan in 1969.On November 9, 1977, Ilia II was appointed to the seat of the Patriarch. His journey reached a pivotal moment on December 23, 1977, during the 12th local church meeting, where Metropolitan Ilia was elected as the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. Just two days later, on December 25, he was enthroned on the patriarchal throne.