Georgia bid farewell to Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II on his final journey.

His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, according to his wish, was buried at Sioni Cathedral in Tbilisi.

His Holiness was transferred to Sioni Cathedral in a procession from the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi. The Patriarch was accompanied on his final journey by clergy, parishioners, government representatives, specially arrived delegations, representatives of various denominations, and soldiers lined up along the route.

Thousands of people gathered near Sioni Cathedral bid farewell to the Patriarch with chants of “Patriarch, we love you!” and applause.

The Catholicos-Patriarch of all Georgia, Ilia II, passed away on March 17, 2026, at the age of 93.