Ilia II Gudiashvili-Shiolashvili

Ilia II, born Irakli Gudiashvili-Shiolashvili on January 4, 1933, in Vladikavkaz, is a prominent Georgian Orthodox bishop and the current Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. Since his enthronement in 1977, he has played a crucial role in the spiritual and social life of Georgia, advocating for the preservation of Georgian culture and the Orthodox faith. His leadership has been marked by efforts to rebuild the church after the Soviet era and to promote peace and reconciliation within the country.