The pilgrim spoke about the importance of Patriarch Ilia II for the Christians of Georgia

Patriarch Catholicos Ilia II was an extremely important person for the Orthodox Christians of Georgia, and pilgrims, including from Russia, come to his grave endlessly. On April 27, Khatuna, a pilgrim, told Izvestia about this at the Zion Cathedral in Tbilisi, where the clergyman is buried.

Orthodox believers, including those from Russia, come to the Zion Cathedral in Tbilisi, to the grave of the patriarch. Elijah II is buried in the northern part of the altar, next to the shrines. Next to his grave is the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God, and next to it is the cross of Saint Nina. The grave is strewn with orchids and roses, and above it hang portraits of the Patriarch.

"It is impossible to say [how important he was to the Georgian Orthodox]. He was a very important person to us. You know, when we talk, [we feel] both pain and joy somehow, because we have a person in heaven who will pray for us without fail," said the pilgrim.

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According to the statute, the head of the GOC can be an ethnic Georgian tonsured monk between the ages of 40 and 70.

Ilia II died at the age of 94 in a clinic on March 17. The Patriarch of All Georgia was elected to the throne on December 23, 1977, and two days later he was enthroned.

The funeral of Ilia II was held in Tbilisi on March 22. Thousands of believers, representatives of the clergy, officials and members of foreign delegations took part in the funeral procession. Mikhail Shvydkoi, Representative of the President of Russia for International Cultural Cooperation, also attended the ceremony.