The funeral of Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia took place on Sunday at 12:30 local time, drawing tens of thousands of mourners.
The burial service was officiated by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, concelebrating with Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Chkhorotsku (Mujiri), Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne of the Georgian Orthodox Church, together with members of the Holy Synod.
The Romanian Patriarchate was represented by a delegation comprising Metropolitan Ioan of Banat, Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești, and Archdeacon Nicolae Iftimiu, Patriarchal Adviser.
Among those attending the funeral were the highest representatives of the Georgian state, including President Mikheil Kavelashvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, and Speaker of Parliament Shalva Papuashvili.
Following the service, a funeral procession proceeded to the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God (Sioni), where Patriarch Ilia II was laid to rest.
Patriarch Ilia II fell asleep in the Lord on 17 March.
In a message of condolence, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church described Patriarch Ilia II as “a venerable personality of contemporary Orthodoxy and a steadfast confessor of the faith, who shepherded with wisdom the Orthodox Church of Georgia during periods of both trial and renewal.”
Autocephalous Orthodox Churches worldwide have mourned the passing of Patriarch Ilia II, conveying messages of condolence.
Photo: Civil.ge
