The Orthodox world says goodbye to Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia: details of the funeral and condolences of the Primates

The Orthodox world has plunged into mourning over the death of Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II. The funeral of the newly departed Primate is scheduled for March 22, 2026, in Tbilisi, where delegations of local churches from around the world and Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople will arrive to perform the funeral service.

According to the Orthodoxia News Agency, the main mourning events will be held at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity (Sameba). On Sunday, March 22, the Divine Liturgy will be led by the Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne, Metropolitan Shio, followed by a funeral service at noon. It is expected that Patriarch Bartholomew will arrive at the Tbilisi airport at 11:00 local time and immediately go to the cathedral to participate in the farewell ceremony.

The Primates of the local churches expressed their deepest condolences to the Georgian people. The head of the Phanar emphasized that during the long and blessed ministry of Ilia II, relations between Constantinople and Georgia were strengthened in a special way. Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem described the deceased as a man of «faith, virtue and unwavering testimony in Christ,» and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow noted that the Lord granted the ancient Church of Iberia a shepherd who devoted his entire life to tirelessly caring for its prosperity.

In their messages, the heads of the churches of Antioch, Serbia, Romania, and Bulgaria emphasized the great role of Elijah II as a spiritual pillar and unifier of the nation. Patriarch Daniel of Romania called him an outstanding personality of modern Orthodoxy, who wisely led the church both in times of trial and in the years of revival. Archbishop John of Albania, who personally arrived in Georgia, recalled the Patriarch’s sacrificial service during the difficult decades of Soviet oppression.

The burial ceremony will be attended by high-ranking representatives of many churches: Metropolitan Theophilus of Alexandria will represent the Patriarchate of Alexandria, Archbishop Nectarius of Jerusalem will represent the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, and Metropolitan Veniamin of Minsk and Zaslawye will represent the Moscow Patriarchate. The Romanian delegation will be led by Archbishop John and Bishop Varlaam.