Georgia Bids Farewell to Patriarch Ilia II

Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia, who led the Georgian Orthodox Church for nearly five decades, was laid to rest on March 22, 2026, at Sioni Cathedral in Tbilisi. His funeral service commenced at 9:00 a.m. at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, where his body had been lying in state since March 18. The service was presided over by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople and Metropolitan Shio Mujiri, the Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne, alongside members of the Holy Synod. The ceremony drew thousands of mourners, including high-ranking officials from Georgia and international delegations.

Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II laid to rest at Sioni CathedralPatriarch Ilia II transferred to Sioni Cathedral ahead of burialPatriarch Ilia II has been transferred to Sioni CathedralFaithful contintue to pay their respects to blessed Patriarch Ilia II for third day (VIDEO+PHOTOS) (upd)Constantinopolitan patriarch to attend Patriarch Ilia's funeralPatriarch Ilia II Laid to Rest at Tbilisi’s Sioni Cathedral – Civil GeorgiaPatriarchate releases information regarding funeral ceremony of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia IIEcumenical Patriarch to attend funeral of Georgia’s Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II

Following the death of Ilia II on March 17 at the age of 93, the Georgian government declared a period of national mourning. Flags were flown at half-staff, and public events were canceled in his honor. The Patriarch's passing evoked deep emotions across the nation, with many citizens expressing their grief and gratitude for his decades of service. The funeral procession from Holy Trinity Cathedral to Sioni Cathedral was marked by a ceremonial corridor formed by military personnel, allowing thousands of citizens to pay their respects along the route.

Patriarch Ilia II has been transferred to Sioni Cathedral

The funeral was attended by prominent figures, including Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, President Mikheil Kavelashvili, and Honorary Chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party, Bidzina Ivanishvili. International representatives included the President of Armenia, Vahagn Khachaturian, and the Chairperson of the Milli Mejlis of Azerbaijan, Sahiba Gafarova. The Vatican was represented by Cardinal Kurt Koch, while the Russian Orthodox Church sent Metropolitan Veniamin of Belarus. The presence of these delegations underscored the significance of Ilia II's leadership and the respect he commanded both nationally and internationally.

Patriarch Ilia II Laid to Rest at Tbilisi’s Sioni Cathedral – Civil GeorgiaEcumenical Patriarch to attend funeral of Georgia’s Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia IIFinal farewell to Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia (VIDEO) (upd)France 24Thousands pay tribute to Patriarch Ilia II in Tbilisi CathedralROC to be represented at Patriarch Ilia's funeral by Exarch of Belarus

Patriarch Ilia II was a central figure in Georgia's spiritual and political landscape, known for his efforts in strengthening the church and its ties to the state. His leadership was characterized by a commitment to national unity and reconciliation, particularly during tumultuous periods in Georgian history. As the church prepares for the election of a new patriarch, concerns have been raised regarding potential influences from Russia, particularly regarding Metropolitan Shio Mujiri, who has been viewed as a candidate with close ties to the ruling party and the Russian Orthodox Church.

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Metropolitan Shio Mujiri expressed profound sorrow, stating, “Today, every believer feels orphaned. We felt so deeply the fatherly love of Patriarch Ilia II.” Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew highlighted Ilia II's unique connection to Georgia, noting, “It is unlikely that any of the worthy catholicoi of the past so closely linked their name with Georgia as the late, blessed Patriarch Ilia II did.”

Patriarch Ilia II Laid to Rest at Tbilisi’s Sioni Cathedral – Civil Georgia

• “Today, a great era comes to an end. We bid farewell to our beloved patriarch, our spiritual father, who dedicated his entire life to serving his homeland and the Mother Church,” — Irakli Kobakhidze, Prime Minister of Georgia

Patriarch Ilia II Laid to Rest at Tbilisi’s Sioni Cathedral – Civil Georgia

• “All of Georgia mourns – our people and our Church – as we bid farewell to our beloved spiritual father and leader, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia, Catholicos-Patriarch of all Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi, and Metropolitan of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia,” — Metropolitan Shio Mujiri, Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne

Patriarch Ilia II Laid to Rest at Tbilisi’s Sioni Cathedral – Civil Georgia

The Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church will soon begin the process of electing a new patriarch, with Metropolitan Shio Mujiri currently serving as the interim leader. The election is expected to take place within the next two months, amid ongoing discussions about the future direction of the church and its relationship with the Georgian state and international community.

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