Georgian hierarch: I am certain Patriarch Ilia will be canonized very soon
Metropolitan Nikolai believes that nationwide veneration will compel the Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church to consider glorifying the departed Primate among the saints in the very near future.
Metropolitan Nikolai (Pachuashvili) of Akhalkalaki, Kumurdo, and Kari, speaking with journalists, said that the canonization process for the newly reposed Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II, could begin in the shortest possible time, UOJ in Georgia reports.
“I am certain that canonization should take place very soon,” Metropolitan Nikolai said. “It is possible even today.” According to the hierarch, it is the flock itself that is raising the question of the Primate’s glorification, since the people’s love for the departed elder leaves the bishops with no other choice.
“One great door has closed, but we hope that an even greater one will open,” the hierarch explained. “I think that even if we, the members of the Synod, do not raise this question, the people will force us to speak about canonization.”
The hierarch recalled that Church history knows many examples in which the official recognition of holiness began immediately after the repose of an ascetic. In this connection, he mentioned Ignatius the God-Bearer, Martin of Tours, and Anthony the Great. In the metropolitan’s view, the main grounds for glorification are “universal veneration, hope, and the people’s reverence.”
Although the final decision on the matter lies within the competence of the Holy Synod, public sentiment and the respect of society play a decisive role in the process.
The UOJ is conducting a live online broadcast of the events.
