According to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Special Representative of the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, Mikhail Shvydkoi, attended the funeral of His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia.
“The Special Representative of the President of Russia for International Cultural Cooperation, Mikhail Shvydkoi, attended the funeral of His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, and conveyed the condolences of the Russian leader to Georgian clergy and the people,” the statement said.
For reference, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, passed away at the age of 93. Following his death, a period of mourning was declared in Georgia. He will be laid to rest today at Sioni Cathedral.