Heads of Local Churches arrived in Tbilisi to participate in the burial of Patriarch Ilia II

Official delegations from local Orthodox Churches have arrived in the capital of Georgia to honor the memory of the late Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II and to participate in his burial ceremony. Representatives of clergy from around the world and thousands of believers are expected to arrive in Tbilisi to bid farewell to the newly deceased Primate.

on March 21, 2026, the heads of several autocephalous churches arrived in the country. Among them is the Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church, His Beatitude Archbishop John of Tirana, Durres and All Albania, accompanied by the priest Spiro Topanji. Also, a delegation of the Orthodox Church of Czech Lands and Slovakia, headed by its Primate, His Beatitude Metropolitan Rostislav, arrived to participate in the mourning events. In addition, towards the end of the day, Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria arrived in Tbilisi accompanied by Metropolitan Gabriel of Lovchansk and other representatives of the clergy of the Bulgarian Church.

According to the approved schedule, the main divine services will be held on Sunday, March 22. At 9:00 a.m. local time will begin the Divine Liturgy, which will be led by Metropolitan Shio, the locum tenens of the Patriarchal Throne, in the company of a host of hierarchs. The funeral rite and burial of the Primate of the Georgian Church is scheduled for 12:00. Earlier, the memory of the deceased was honored at the Trinity Church in Tbilisi, where Metropolitan Sergius performed a requiem liturgy for him.

Recall, earlier we reported that the head of the Phanar will not participate in the Liturgy on the day of the burial of Patriarch Ilia in Tbilisi. Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople is expected to arrive in Tbilisi around 11:00 and join the funeral service at 12:00.