On the eve of his death, the patriarch was hospitalized due to a deterioration in his health, and he spent his last hours in the intensive care unit of the Caucasian Medical Center.
Ilia II led the Georgian Orthodox Church since 1977, which is over 48 years, making it the longest tenure in the history of the church.
According to First Channel of Georgia, under Ilia II's leadership, the autocephaly of the Georgian Orthodox Church was restored, which was recognized by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in 1990.
In connection with his passing, a period of mourning has been declared in Georgia.
