The 93-year-old Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II has been hospitalized in Tbilisi “due to a sudden deterioration in his health condition.”

“His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II, is currently at the Caucasus Medical Center. His condition is problematic, but stable. We ask everyone for prayerful support,” the Georgian Patriarchate said.

The Patriarch’s condition worsened on Tuesday night. Minister of Health Mikheil Sarjveladze reported that the patient has undergone all necessary examinations and medical procedures.

Ilia II’s condition is assessed as stable, but it still requires increased attention. He is in the intensive care unit.

According to doctors, the Patriarch was admitted to the clinic with massive gastric bleeding. He has received appropriate medical care, but his condition remains serious.

“As a result of medical intervention, the bleeding has been stopped. Everything necessary is being done to restore as quickly as possible all vital functions required for the Patriarch’s health,” said the Minister of Health of Georgia.