Thousands process through the streets with body of Patriarch Ilia of Georgia (+VIDEOS)

Tbilisi, March 19, 2026

Photo: sazu.ge Photo: sazu.ge     

Thousands of Georgian Orthodox Christians filled the streets of Tbilisi yesterday to accompany the body of their beloved newly reposed spiritual father, His Holiness Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II.

Pat. Ilia, who led a great revival of the Georgian Orthodox Church over the past 48 years, reposed in the Lord on Tuesday at the age of 93. He enjoyed the honor and respect not only of the Georgian people, but of the entire Orthodox Church.

Photo: sazu.ge Photo: sazu.ge     

Yesterday, the Patriarch’s body was solemnly processed from the Patriarchal residence to Holy Trinity Sameba Cathedral in Tbilisi, accompanied by thousands of hierarchs, clergy, monastics, and faithful.

The cathedral is open around the clock to accommodate the continuous flow of people coming to bid farewell to their beloved Patriarch.

Photo: sazu.ge Photo: sazu.ge     

His funeral will be served at Sioni Cathedral in Tbilisi on Sunday.

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3/19/2026

See also
Patriarch of Georgia Ilia II as a Father of Many Peoples Patriarch of Georgia Ilia II as a Father of Many Peoples
Hieromonk Madai (Maamdi) Patriarch of Georgia Ilia II as a Father of Many Peoples Patriarch of Georgia Ilia II as a Father of Many Peoples
Hieromonk Madai (Maamdi)
His heart proved capable of embracing not only his own people, but many others as well, including those who for a long time were on the periphery of church life. State of mourning in Georgia for repose of Patriarch Ilia State of mourning in Georgia for repose of Patriarch Ilia State of mourning in Georgia for repose of Patriarch Ilia State of mourning in Georgia for repose of Patriarch Ilia
A state of mourning has been declared for the entire country of Georgia following the repose of its beloved spiritual father of nearly five decades, His Holiness Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II. Patriarch Ilia of Georgia reposes in the Lord Patriarch Ilia of Georgia reposes in the Lord Patriarch Ilia of Georgia reposes in the Lord Patriarch Ilia of Georgia reposes in the Lord
His Holiness was 93 at the time of his repose.

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