Overview
- The Georgian Orthodox Church confirmed the passing of Catholicos‑Patriarch Ilia II at age 93 after nearly five decades as the country’s most influential religious figure.
- Ilia II did not recognize the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, though he insisted Abkhazia and South Ossetia remain canonical territory of the Georgian church in opposition to Moscow’s stance.
- Metropolitan Epiphaniy of the OCU has alleged Russian coercion of the Georgian church, citing threats linked to control over the occupied regions as a deterrent to recognition.
- Observers say a pro‑recognition current exists within the Georgian hierarchy, with reports that at least 11 of 38 bishops have publicly backed recognition of the OCU.
- Any shift will hinge on the new patriarch and Georgia’s political climate, as the ruling Georgian Dream’s tilt toward Moscow complicates alignment with churches that already recognize the OCU, including Constantinople, Alexandria, Greece, and Cyprus.