Ruling party MP highlights unity of Georgians following Patriarch’s funeral

A senior member of Georgia’s ruling party has said the country demonstrated an “extraordinary unity” in the days surrounding the funeral of the late Patriarch, describing it as the fulfilment of a long-held vision of national solidarity.

Levan Machavariani, First Deputy Chair of the parliamentary faction Georgian Dream, wrote on social media on Monday that Georgians had come together “as one fist”, setting aside differences in a rare display of cohesion.

He said the unity reflected the vision of Ilia II, whom he described as the nation’s spiritual father, and whose wish had been to see a united Georgian people. 

Machavariani further noted feelings of resentment, anger and division temporarily disappeared in the days leading up to the funeral, with citizens from all backgrounds standing together in shared grief.

“There were no professions, no social status, no positions - everyone was equal, united in mourning,” he wrote, adding that people supported one another, shared resources, and showed mutual respect in long queues as they paid their final respects.

He also highlighted acts of public solidarity, including residents near Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi providing water, tea and coffee to mourners, and police officers assisting elderly citizens with care and respect.

Machavariani said it was “a source of pride” that the Patriarch had been farewelled with dignity, and argued that such unity and compassion would be the greatest tribute to his legacy.

He added that Georgians now had “the greatest supporter in heaven” and called on society to preserve the spirit of solidarity shown during the mourning period.

“Out of respect for him, we are obliged to love, respect and stand by one another,” he wrote, urging citizens to maintain the sense of unity and reflect on self-improvement, as taught by the Patriarch.