Massive crowds gathered in Tbilisi to honor Patriarch Ilia II by Mikheil Gvadzabia (Updated: 37 minutes ago) • 2 min read Share
The Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba) was filled with mourners paying their respects to the late Patriarch Ilia II, who was lying in state. Photo: Mariam Nikuradze/OC Media. The faithful have been queuing for hours at Sameba, where the patriarch’s body rests ahead of his interment on Sunday.
Ilia, who passed away on Tuesday following complications from gastric bleeding in intensive care, was initially transported from the hospital to his residence and then to the cathedral. The cathedral remains open around the clock, allowing the public to offer their condolences. Traffic around the cathedral has been restricted by the Interior Ministry and will continue until Sunday’s funeral service at Sioni Cathedral in the old town.
Metropolitan Iobi Akiashvili confirmed this was ilia’s own expressed desire. Railway services and Tbilisi municipal transport are free over the weekend, alongside arranged transport for those traveling from across the regions, a decision made by a state commission following his death. Condolences have poured in from political, diplomatic, and religious figures both within Georgia and internationally.
While a full list of attendees for the funeral hasn’t been confirmed, Archpriest Teimuraz Tatarashvili indicated that delegations from various Orthodox Churches are expected to attend, including reports that Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I will be present. The Russian Orthodox Church will be represented by Metropolitan Veniamin Tupieka, the Moscow-appointed Patriarchal Exarch of the Belarusian Orthodox Church. Ilia had served as the patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church since 1977, witnessing significant historical events such as Georgia’s independence from the Soviet Union.
The patriarch’s legacy is complex, having led the church for nearly five decades.
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