Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel arrives in Georgia for funeral of Patriarch Ilia
A Bulgarian Church delegation led by Patriarch Daniel in Georgia. Photo: UOJ
On March 21, 2026, Patriarch Daniel, the Primate of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, arrived in Georgia for the funeral service of Patriarch Ilia II. He heads the official delegation of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Metropolitan Gabriel of Lovech arrived in Tbilisi together with the Primate.
The visit of the Bulgarian First Hierarch became part of large-scale mourning events, to which representatives of Local Orthodox Churches are gathering to bid farewell to the newly-reposed Patriarch-Catholicos.
Patriarch Ilia II, who headed the Georgian Church for decades, enjoyed deep respect throughout the Orthodox world. The participation of heads of other Local Churches in his funeral service underscores the stature of the late hierarch and the significance of his contribution to strengthening inter-church unity.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that delegations from the Albanian and Czech Churches, headed by their Primates, also arrived for the burial of the First Hierarch of Georgia.
Read also
Vance criticizes 'progressive atheist culture'
The politician pointed to the double standards of left-wing politicians who mock belief in the Resurrection of Christ.
LGBT flag torn down from building of Aristotle University in Thessaloniki
The administration of Aristotle University has vowed to continue promoting its inclusivity agenda despite the removal of the rainbow banner.
Leo XIV calls on religious leaders to fight climate change
The head of the RCC addressed participants of the world summit in Austria, calling faith an important aspect in resolving environmental issues.
Clergy of Romanian Church serve at patronal feast in Krasnoilsk
The monastery’s patronal feast brought together clergy of two Churches, who in joint prayer asked the Lord for an end to the war.
OCU stages provocation to seize UOC church in Zhytomyr region
In the Zhytomyr region, raiders are preparing to seize a church following a provocation involving the funeral service for a soldier.
UOC shows photos of Lavra before and after its restoration by the Church
A selection of photos showing the scope of restoration work carried out by the monastic brotherhood of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra has been published online.