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The lying-in-state of Ilia II, Patriarch of Georgia, is underway at the Holy Trinity Patriarchal Cathedral.
Throughout the night, as reported by Georgian media, citizens have been flocking to the cathedral to pay their respects, and since early morning, long queues of mourners have formed, waiting patiently for their turn to honor the Patriarch.
On March 19, the Patriarch’s godchildren held a procession to the cathedral. They, along with their families, gathered at Avlabari metro station before proceeding to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, carrying white roses.
By decision of the Patriarchate, the Holy Trinity Patriarchal Cathedral will remain open around the clock to allow the public to pay their respects.
The Patriarch will be laid to rest at Sioni Cathedral on March 22.
Official information on funeral of Patriarch Ilia II
The Public Relations Service of the Georgian Orthodox Church (GOC) has released information, as reproted by Georgian media, regarding the funeral ceremony of the late Patriarch of Georgia, Ilia II.
According to the GOC, the Holy Trinity Cathedral will be closed from 2:00 a.m. tonight until 8:00 a.m. on Sunday in order to prepare the area for the arrival of official delegations and to ensure security measures. During this time, access to the cathedral will be permitted only with special passes.
The funeral service will begin at 9:00 a.m. on March 22 and will be officiated by Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Chkhorotsku, Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne, together with members of the Holy Synod.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople is expected to arrive at Holy Trinity Cathedral at noon. The transfer of Ilia II’s remains from Holy Trinity Cathedral to Sioni Cathedral, in a procession on foot, will begin at 3:00 p.m. Faithful who were unable to bid farewell at Sioni will be able to follow the procession.
The Georgian Orthodox Church apologized for any inconvenience, stating: “Due to protocol requirements and other technical aspects of the funeral ceremony, it will not be possible to allow public access to the cathedral.”
Patriarch Ilia II will be laid to rest on north side of Cathedral, before Iconostasis
Father Giorgi Sanamashvili, Dean of Sioni Cathedral, has announced that preparations are underway within the Cathedral for the tomb of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, and that the Patriarch will be buried at the north door, before the Iconostasis.
“As you will know, in accordance with His Holiness’s own wishes, a place is being prepared for him in the ancient Patriarchal Cathedral of Sioni. It is situated at the entrance to the Cathedral, on the north side, before the Iconostasis, at the north door, where his tomb is being made ready. His Holiness began his ministry as Patriarch in this very Cathedral in 1977. He himself described that ministry as a night filled with light. Eight Patriarchs have been buried in the Patriarchal Cathedral of Sioni since the restoration of autocephaly to this day.
Archbishop of Albania arrived in Georgia for the funeral of Patriarch Ilia II
Archbishop Ioannis of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania, accompanied by Protopresbyter Spiro Topanxha, is in Georgia to attend the funeral of the Patriarch of Georgia, Ilia II.
Upon his arrival in Georgia, His Beatitude also offered a memorial prayer for the repose of the late Patriarch Ilia II.
Archbishop of Canterbury expressed condolences for Patriarch Ilia II
Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally extended condolences to the Georgian Orthodox Church, its faithful, and the people of Georgia following the repose of the Patriarch of Georgia, Ilia II.
Right Reverend David Hamid, will represent the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Church of England at the funeral.
In her message, she expressed deep sorrow on the eve of the Patriarch’s funeral, assuring that her prayers are with the clergy and the Georgian people during this time of mourning.
She concluded her message with the prayer that the Lord grant rest to the late Patriarch and that “light perpetual shine upon him.”
It is with continued sorrow that we remember His Holiness Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, on the eve of his funeral.
I assure the Hierarchs and faithful of the Georgian Orthodox Church, and the people of Georgia, of my prayers at this time of mourning. I have… pic.twitter.com/5CBGtRVeNE
— Archbishop of Canterbury (@ArchbishopSarah) March 21, 2026
USCIRF Chair extended heartfelt condolences to Georgian people
Chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Vicky Hartzler, as reported by Georgian media, extended condolences to the Georgian people over the death of Patriarch of Georgia, Ilia II.
“We are very saddened to hear this sad news. This is a great loss for the Autocephalous Orthodox Church and all believers. My heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the Ambassador, Embassy and entire Georgian nation,” she said.
Georgia: A period of national mourning
The late Patriarch Ilia II fell asleep in the Lord yesterday, March 17, 2026, at the age of 93, leaving behind nearly five decades of spiritual leadership in the Orthodox Church of Georgia.
Following the announcement of his death, the Georgian government declared a period of national mourning. Flags on public and administrative buildings will fly at half-staff in his honor.
News of the Patriarch’s death has evoked deep emotions worldwide, both within and beyond the Orthodox community.
Photos: 1tv.ge
