A civil memorial service for the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi, Metropolitan of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia, Ilia II, continues at the Patriarchal Cathedral of Sameba in Tbilisi.

To pay their respects to Ilia II, citizens came to Sameba Cathedral throughout the night. Since the morning, a line has also formed in the church of those wishing to honor the Patriarch’s memory.

On March 19, the Patriarch’s godchildren organized a procession to Sameba Cathedral. Ilia II’s godchildren and their family members gathered near Avlabari metro station and came to the cathedral with white roses.

By decision of the Patriarchate, in order to allow everyone to pay their respects, the Patriarchal Sameba Cathedral will remain open 24 hours a day.

Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II passed away on March 17 at the age of 93. A period of mourning has been declared in Georgia following the Patriarch’s death.

Ilia II will be buried on March 22 at Sioni Cathedral in Tbilisi.