Preparations underway for Sunday service and arrival of Ecumenical Patriarch for Patriarch Ilia II’s burial

The Sunday memorial service for Ilia II will begin at 09:00 at Sameba Cathedral. Bishop Shio, together with other bishops, will lead the service, according to Archimandrite Iovane Mchedlishvili.

The Ecumenical Patriarch’s plane is expected to land at Tbilisi International Airport at around 11:00, with his arrival at the cathedral anticipated by 12:00. The Ecumenical Patriarch will participate in the service and ceremonial rites alongside the local clergy.

Archimandrite Mchedlishvili said that following the service, various speakers will give sermons and tributes about Patriarch Ilia II. 

The Patriarch’s body will then be transferred to Sioni Cathedral, where he will be laid to rest. The official list of guests will be published by the Patriarchate.

Exact timing for the transfer of the Patriarch’s body is not yet confirmed, but the ceremony, including speeches and rites, is expected to take place approximately between 15:00 and 16:00.

Ilia II passed away on 17 March at the age of 93. A period of national mourning has been declared in Georgia, and he will be buried at Sioni Cathedral on 22 March.