Patriarchate spokesman: Further treatment will be guided by how Patriarch’s condition evolves

The next steps in the treatment of the Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia will depend on how his condition progresses, according to Archpriest Andria Jaghmaidze, Head of the Patriarchate’s Public Relations Service.

“What can be said based on the physicians’ assessment is that following the first necessary intervention, the process is proceeding as it should, though they continue to regard the situation as serious. Any further course of action will only be determined by what the body shows over time. There was a very significant episode of gastric bleeding. It is no simple matter for a man of his age to come through something like this easily. We are praying and asking God to grant him strength and health,” said Jaghmaidze.

Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II was admitted to the Caucasus Medical Centre in the late hours of the night following a deterioration in his health. Physicians have reported that the Patriarch suffered severe gastric bleeding, for which the necessary procedures were carried out and the haemorrhage brought under control. The Caucasus Medical Centre has confirmed that Ilia II is currently in the critical care department and on mechanical ventilation.