The Patriarch's will has been fulfilled, and he will be buried in that very place and in that cathedral where the vast majority of the Catholicos-Patriarchs who fought for autocephaly are buried, — this was stated to journalists by Father Giorgi Vashalomidze, the dean (chief priest) of Sioni Cathedral.

According to the dean of Sioni Cathedral, the Patriarch himself stated during his lifetime that he wished to be buried in Sioni Patriarchal Cathedral.

"Sioni Patriarchal Cathedral is the church to which the greatest part of His Holiness's life is connected, from the day of his enthronement in 1977. In this regard, there existed and exists a testament, which is naturally perceived as a testament — the Patriarch's desire, which he expressed during his lifetime, to be buried in Sioni Patriarchal Cathedral. Subsequently, a place was selected by members of the Holy Synod, clergy, and the relevant commission, which can be said to be special in Sioni Patriarchal Cathedral, as this place is located in the area in front of the altar known as the ambo. In the northeast part of the ambo, specifically between the Cross of St. Nino and the copy of the Most Holy Theotokos icon brought from Athos, which, among other things, was painted on Mount Athos at the order of His Holiness himself and later brought to Sioni," he stated.

For information: The Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, passed away at the age of 93. National mourning has been declared in Georgia in connection with the death of Ilia II. The Catholicos-Patriarch will be buried on Sunday, March 22, in Sioni Cathedral.