Ilia II is the current Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia, a position he has held since 1977. He is a prominent religious leader in the Georgian Orthodox Church, which plays a significant role in the cultural and spiritual life of the country. Born on January 4, 1933, in Tbilisi, Georgia, Ilia II was educated in theology and became a bishop before ascending to the patriarchate. He is known for his efforts to promote peace, unity, and the preservation of Georgian traditions, especially following the country's independence from the Soviet Union.