One of the central streets in Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia, has been named after the late Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia.

The decision by the Mtskheta municipal council took effect on August 31 and was published in Georgia’s official Legislative Herald.

The renamed street is part of the historic Georgian Military Road that runs through the city. Known locally as Military Street, it is one of Mtskheta’s busiest transport routes and is home to a district court, a medical center, bank branches, shops and other facilities.

According to the municipal council’s decision, the renaming was prompted by “historical circumstances and other objective conditions.” The initiative followed appeals from local residents.

Georgian law generally allows geographic sites to be named after public figures only at least 20 years after their death. In the case of Ilia II, however, municipal authorities received special approval from the government commission responsible for the naming of geographic features.

Patriarch Ilia II led the Georgian Orthodox Church from 1977 and became one of the most prominent religious figures in modern Georgia. He died on March 17, 2026, at the age of 93.

Mtskheta holds particular significance for the Georgian Orthodox Church. The city is considered the country’s ancient capital and one of the main centers of Georgian Christianity. It is home to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and other major monuments of Orthodox religious and cultural heritage.

According to local media reports, the Mtskheta municipal council also renamed several streets in villages across the municipality at the end of August, giving them the names of public figures or restoring historical names.