Patriarch Ilia's funeral: live broadcast

The Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi. Photo: UOJ

On March 22, 2026, the Orthodox world bids farewell in Tbilisi to His Holiness Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of All Georgia. The Union of Orthodox Journalists presents an online broadcast of the events.

15:00 Final farewells to His Holiness. Tears in everyone's eyes: both gray-bearded elders and children.

14:55 Eternal memory to His Holiness Patriarch Ilia.

14:50: Metropolitan Anania of Manglisi and Tetritskaro on behalf of the Synod of the Georgian Church:

"The people are mourning the death of their true father – Ilia II. At the same time, the Savior strengthens us... We thought that the Patriarch would reach the age of Grigol Khandzteli – one 105 years, but he left us earlier. He restored many new eparchies, translated the Holy Scripture, – for almost half a century I was his disciple, and then a hierarch.

He proclaimed his main goal in Svetitskhoveli: “I want to reveal the inner energy of the Georgian people."

And indeed, through his labors Christianity was revived. In these days we have seen again, Your Holiness, how you spread your wings like an eagle and under these wings gathered all of Georgia and Georgians living abroad. Leadership over a country chosen by the Mother of God is impossible without God's help. We grieve and grieve that we're now standing in Sioni, where the greatest ascetics find rest. You have fulfilled your duty before the people and before God. Rest in peace, Patriarch."

14:40 Metropolitan Shio at the Patriarch's coffin:

"The moment has come when we must turn our gaze to Sioni and honor the memory of our dear spiritual mentor, Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II. His devotion to this holy place was special – we all know this. Here began his 49-year patriarchal ministry, which can be called epochal...

He, having passed through trials, difficulties and hardships, brought great benefit to our country and Church, filled with holiness. This holiness manifested itself in his continuous care for the spiritual life of the people and in his communion with the saints, among whom he stood as a spiritual mentor, leading and inspiring with his initiatives and example.

All this determined his special attitude toward the Cathedral of Sioni, toward the patriarchal temple, which led to his desire to be buried precisely in this holy temple."

14:20 The procession with the Patriarch's coffin arrived at the Sioni Cathedral.

13:35 A huge number of people accompany their Patriarch on his final journey to the Dormition Cathedral.

13:10 The procession leaves the grounds of the Trinity Cathedral.

12:55 The procession with the Patriarch's coffin leaves the Trinity Cathedral for the funeral procession.

12:35 The coffin with the Patriarch's body is carried into the altar.

12:03 Locum Tenens Shio addressed Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and thanked him for his support and special attitude toward the Georgian Church.

"Your Holiness, we cannot but note your wonderfully warm and powerful spiritual words and thank you for them. Your love and respect for the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II, and his contribution are widely known. And in your speech you mentioned your participation in the recognition of the autocephaly of the Georgian Church since ancient times. Of course, the Georgian people and the Church will never forget this great contribution and your involvement. Once again, I thank you for this."

12:00 The Government of Georgia prays for the repose of the Patriarch.

11.52 Along the route of the procession, a corridor of Georgian military personnel and special service officers with state flags has been formed, paying honors to Patriarch Ilia II.

11.46 Primates and hierarchs of Local Churches prepare for the procession with the body of Patriarch Ilia.

11:42 Patriarch Bartholomew delivered a speech after the memorial service

«He now lives in the most radiant Kingdom of the Triune God, in whose honor and in whose name he erected this magnificent temple.

Ask the saints of his people – from Nina, Equal-to-the-Apostles, and Ketevan, and Hilarion, and David, and myriads of holy martyrs who suffered in Tbilisi, up to Gabriel the New, Confessor and Fool-for-Christ.

Do not let grief crush you. Keep and observe with reverence his instructions and teachings – this will be the best offering in his memory.

And rejoice, for now your father, Patriarch Ilia, glorified in the land of the living, is more powerful than when he lived among you. And, standing before the Throne of God, he is more useful and beneficial for you.

Kiss with reverence his holy right hand. Ask for his blessing and bid him farewell with us – perhaps with a premature, but at the same time fulfilled in this hour of joy – victorious, abolishing death and joy-creating exclamation: Christ is Risen!

To Him be glory, and honor, and worship, and thanksgiving forever and ever. Amen».

11.43 The street near the Holy Trinity Cathedral is under heavy police guard. In the coming minutes, the procession with the body of Patriarch Ilia II to the Sioni Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God will begin, where the burial will take place.

11.40 The grave of Patriarch Ilia II in the Sioni Cathedral is already prepared – it is covered with rose petals.

11.35. Patriarch Bartholomew addresses with a word about the departed Patriarch Ilia II.

11.25 The funeral service for Patriarch Ilia II has concluded. Constantinople Patriarch Bartholomew enters the altar.

11.22. Constantinople Patriarch Bartholomew performs the funeral service for Patriarch Ilia at the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

11.13. At the Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba) in Tbilisi and on the surrounding streets, thousands of people have gathered – believers, pilgrims and numerous clergy. The area around the temple is filled with people standing in the square, along the roads and in nearby neighborhoods, many pray and await the opportunity to bid farewell to Patriarch Ilia II.

11.07. From the Holy Trinity Cathedral to the Sioni Cathedral, an honor corridor has been formed with the participation of the Georgian Armed Forces.

11.00. Bulgarian, Albanian and Polish hierarchs at the ambo. Prayer continues.

10.53. The memorial service continues. Clergy hold lit candles, prayers are offered for the repose of the soul of the departed Patriarch.

10.40. The funeral service is performed by Patriarch Bartholomew and Metropolitan Shio (Georgian Church). The other Primates and representatives of other Local Churches pray at the temple's ambo.

10.20. The funeral service for Patriarch Ilia II, led by Patriarch Bartholomew, begins.

10.12. Constantinople Patriarch Bartholomew arrives for the funeral ceremony of Patriarch Ilia II.

10.04. Present at the ceremony are Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel, Albanian Archbishop John, Primate of the Church of Czech Lands and Slovakia Rostislav, and Primate of the Orthodox Church in America Tikhon. In the temple, divine service continues uninterrupted: choir singing resounds, clergy take turns at the coffin; incensing is performed. The flow of believers does not cease – thousands of people come to pay their last respect to the late Patriarch.

9.53. Catholic bishops and clergy are present at the funeral service of Patriarch Ilia II.

9.08. Footage from the memorial liturgy during the funeral service of Patriarch Ilia II.

8.58. Metropolitan Longin of Bancheny at the funeral service of Patriarch Ilia II.

8.34. An honor guard in national uniform is lined up along the aisle in the cathedral, participating in the farewell ceremony for Patriarch Ilia II.

8.23. The memorial service continues at the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

7:40. Thousands of Georgians have gathered in front of the cathedral, praying and listening to the broadcast.

7.25. The Liturgy begins. It is led by Patriarchal Locum Tenens, Metropolitan Shio. On both sides of Patriarch Ilia's coffin stand about 30-40 hierarchs from the Georgian Church and other Local Churches.

7:22. Priests get ready for the Liturgy.

Patriarch Ilia II reposed in the Lord on March 17, 2026 at the age of 93.

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