Over the course of his long tenure, he guided the church from Soviet‑era repression to a position of major influence in Georgian society. In a country where Christianity has shaped national identity for centuries, his role extended well beyond religion: a 2017 Pew Research Center study found that 89% of Georgians identify as Orthodox Christians. Following Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ilia II spoke of his “deep heartache” over the war and later urged a ceasefire. The Holy Synod, made up of senior bishops, is expected to choose a new church leader within 40 days.