In Tbilisi, thousands of people are standing in line for hours to pay their respects to the Patriarch. Photos

In Tbilisi, Georgia, thousands of people have been queuing for extended periods to honor the patriarch. The funeral of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, who passed away at 93 after a prolonged illness following 48 years leading the Georgian Orthodox Church, is taking place. Tens of thousands have paid their final respects over three days.

The funeral service is scheduled for Sunday, March 22nd, at Sioni Cathedral. A public memorial service is ongoing at Sameba Cathedral, accessible around the clock, with lines continuing uninterrupted. On March 19th, the sheer volume of mourners meant those arriving in the evening could only enter at dawn.

This unprecedented display of public interest has drawn attention across the nation. Public transport in Tbilisi operates on a modified schedule, with metro station hours extended. From March 21st and 22nd, metro and bus travel is free, alongside free trains from major Georgian cities.

Municipalities are providing free buses for regional residents to attend the services. Flags are at half-mast as crowds gather at Holy Trinity Cathedral. Khatuna Vardanidze, standing in line for over three hours, expressed her sorrow as a parishioner who had met the patriarch numerous times.

Thousands have silently walked for days, receiving assistance with water provided by groups like Coca-Cola, alongside local residents offering refreshments. Entry to the church is carefully managed with metal barriers and coordinated by police and the army. David Rativekov, wearing an outfit specially created for the ensemble “Urmuli,” recalled a blessing received in 2012.

The blessing of family names, associated with Patriarch Ilia II, was a widely held belief. Many families, sharing the same surname, traveled together to receive this blessing, sometimes receiving family icons. Patriarch Ilia II will be buried at Sioni Cathedral on March 22nd, as per his wishes.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is expected to arrive at Sameba Cathedral at 12:00, alongside clergy from many countries, including representatives from the Catholic Church and the Vatican. Access to the cathedral will be restricted, and traffic restrictions will be in place across Tbilisi on March 21st and 22nd. Mourning days have been declared in Georgia, with many events canceled.

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