The day is not far off when we will raise the issue of His Holiness's canonization [being numbered among the saints] — there are already cases of healings and miracles occurring. Go, ask, and it will be granted to you; you will see if it is not so! — this was stated by Metropolitan Nikoloz (Pachuashvili) of Akhalkalaki and Kumurdo to journalists near the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

According to him, one of the signs of sainthood is also universal veneration, which we are already witnessing.

"They told us that even the hierarchs would not be allowed into Sioni. I cannot imagine the Ecumenical Patriarch being there, as well as other countries' patriarchs, delegations... Physically, there is no space for that. It's alright; the Patriarch will be buried, and the grave will also be open.

Why is it important to approach him closely, to touch his body, his grave?! Because the day is not far off when we will raise the issue of His Holiness's canonization.

In addition to the fact that one of the signs of sainthood is universal veneration, which we are seeing, there are already cases of healings and miracles occurring. Go, ask, and it will be granted to you; you will see if it is not so!" — notes Nikoloz Pachuashvili.

As for the arrangement of the service, as Metropolitan Nikoloz notes, it will be announced, and screens will also be placed around the church.

"Everything will be visible. I understand that everyone wants to be close, but even now we are close — I have the feeling that walls are not a barrier to spiritual communion with him. I call on everyone to come as you are able," — notes Metropolitan Nikoloz Pachuashvili.

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.