Parishioners have been going to the Sioni Patriarchal Cathedral since morning to pay their respects to the tomb of Ilia II.

“Today marks the ninth day since the death of Ilia II. As you know, the ninth day, like the fortieth day, is special. Today is also the day of the restoration of autocephaly, to which Ilia II attached special importance and held a service here every year. Today, a service will be held here in connection with the restoration of autocephaly, and then a funeral service for Ilia II,” notes the priest of the Trinity Cathedral, Archimandrite Iovane Mchedlishvili.

The Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, died on March 17. His civil funeral service had been taking place in the Trinity Cathedral since March 18. Thousands of citizens honored the memory of His Holiness.

Ilia II was buried on March 22 in the Sioni Patriarchal Cathedral.