Georgia is in national mourning following the death of Ilia II, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, who has died at the age of 93. His passing marks the end of a nearly 50-year era during which he became one of the most influential spiritual and public figures in the country’s modern history.
By government decree, a day of mourning has been declared across Georgia, with state flags lowered to half-mast on all administrative buildings. The atmosphere in the capital, Tbilisi, is solemn, as thousands of people have already gathered at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, waiting to pay their respects to the late Patriarch.
Following a session of the Holy Synod, key decisions have now been made regarding both the funeral and the future leadership of the Church. A procession will take place from the Patriarchal residence to the cathedral, bringing together clergy, officials, and members of the public. In accordance with his personal wishes, it has been confirmed that Ilia II will be laid to rest at Sioni Cathedral, one of the most historic churches in the country.
The Synod has also formally initiated the process of selecting the next Patriarch. Until a new leader is elected, the Church is being overseen by Metropolitan Shio Mujiri, who serves as the Patriarchal Throne-holder.
The election process itself is structured and deeply rooted in Church law. The Holy Synod will first nominate three candidates. These names will then be presented to an expanded council, although the final vote remains with Synod members. A candidate must receive a majority of votes to be elected, and the entire process is expected to be completed within 40 days to two months.
This transition comes at a particularly sensitive time. Ilia II had previously expressed a clear wish that no political or external forces should interfere in the selection of his successor. Recent statements and actions by the Synod suggest that this principle is being upheld, reinforcing the importance of independence within the Church.
Tributes continue to pour in from world leaders, religious figures, and international partners, all recognising Ilia II’s role in preserving national identity, strengthening faith, and guiding Georgia through some of its most challenging decades.
As the country grieves, attention is now focused on two parallel processes: honouring a deeply respected spiritual leader and ensuring a careful, transparent transition that will shape the future of the Georgian Orthodox Church.
Iranian and U.S. negotiating teams were due in Doha this week, but Iran said on Monday no meeting had been scheduled as weekend missile fire from both...
The latest AnewZ investigative documentary examines how Emmanuel Macron’s promise to break with France’s old political habits collided with diplom...
Iranian and Qatari delegations are expected to meet on Wednesday in Doha to discuss the release of Tehran's assets, estimated at $12 billion, that wer...
Pakistan has responded to a deadly Karachi Rangers compound attack with cross-border strikes and diplomatic protests against Afghanistan, signalling a...
A severe heatwave in France has overwhelmed funeral services and mortuary storage facilities, with undertakers reporting they are unable to cope with ...
The latest AnewZ investigative documentary examines how Emmanuel Macron’s promise to break with France’s old political habits collided with diplomatic setbacks in Africa and legal fallout surrounding figures once close to the Élysée.
Pakistan has responded to a deadly Karachi Rangers compound attack with cross-border strikes and diplomatic protests against Afghanistan, signalling a tougher counterterrorism stance towards militants it says are based there.
A severe heatwave in France has overwhelmed funeral services and mortuary storage facilities, with undertakers reporting they are unable to cope with a surge in deaths linked to extreme temperatures.
Greek rescue teams searched on Tuesday after a four-storey apartment building collapsed in the Petralona district of Athens. Four people initially feared trapped were later found safe, while search operations continued as a precaution.
Iranian and U.S. negotiating teams were due in Doha this week, but Iran said on Monday no meeting had been scheduled as weekend missile fire from both sides tested the interim ceasefire to end the four-month-old war.
Rescue teams raced on Sunday to find more survivors of the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela this week, with signs of life bringing occasional relief to a grim quest to whittle down a list of tens of thousands missing.
The U.S. and Iran have agreed to 'stand down' and resume technical talks, allowing vessels allowed to move freely under the interim peace deal, a U.S. official said.
Six adults were killed in a shooting at a youth welfare facility in northern Germany on Monday, with police detaining two people, including the suspected gunman.
Azerbaijan has criticised Israel’s recent decision to recognise the 1915 events involving Armenians as genocide, warning against politicising historical narratives. The response comes after Israel’s cabinet approved the proposal, which still requires parliamentary ratification.
The Kyrgyz government has tightened oversight of the country's fuel market, introducing stricter monitoring measures to prevent petroleum shortages and ensure stable supplies amid continuing geopolitical uncertainty.
China and several Central Asian countries have agreed to develop a joint satellite constellation to monitor natural disasters, track environmental change and improve regional disaster preparedness through shared remote-sensing data.
International calls for restraint are growing after the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan killed at least 28 civilians and injured 49 others on Sunday (28 June).
Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are advancing plans for a new energy corridor beneath the Caspian Sea that could carry renewable electricity from Central Asia to Europe, linking the region's growing clean energy sector with European markets.
Afghanistan has been ranked last among 194 countries in the KidsRights Index 2026, as the Dutch-based foundation warned that children’s rights are facing growing pressure worldwide.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment