The Patriarchate states that Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I will not lead the liturgy but will participate in the funeral service for Ilia II

According to Andria Jghamaidze, head of the Patriarchate’s Public Relations Service, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I will take part in the funeral service of Ilia II.

Specifically, Jagmaidze noted that the Ecumenical Patriarch will not preside over the liturgy but will officiate during the funeral rites.

“He will not lead the liturgy; he will serve at the funeral service,” Andria Jagmaidze stated.

According to him, the Ecumenical Patriarch will arrive on Sunday at 11:00 a.m.

“The Ecumenical Patriarch will arrive only at 11:00. There was no accurate information that was disseminated,” Jagmaidze added.

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

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