Representatives of Putin arrived at the funeral of Patriarch Ilia II in Tbilisi.

Funeral of Ilia II

According to TSN.ua: On March 22, the funeral of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II took place in Tbilisi, who passed away on March 17 at the age of 93. The funeral ceremony gathered a large number of people, including representatives of various states and churches. Among those present was also the special representative of the President of Russia for international cultural cooperation Mikhail Shvydkoy, as noted on the Kremlin's website.

Ilia II led the Georgian Orthodox Church since 1977, and under his leadership, the church significantly strengthened its position in society. A day before the funeral, on March 21, a delegation of Russian clergy arrived in Tbilisi, which highlights the significance of Ilia II's persona not only for Georgia but for the Orthodox world in general.

Importance of the Farewell Ceremony

The farewell ceremony for the Catholicos became an important event in the life of the country, as Ilia II left a noticeable mark in the history of the Georgian church and society. His contribution to the development of spirituality and interfaith dialogue will be remembered not only by the Georgian people but also by representatives of other nations.

The death of Ilia II marks the end of an era for the Georgian Orthodox Church, as under his leadership, the church became an important social and cultural factor in the country. His legacy will impact the future of the church and its role in society, especially in the context of modern challenges. The significance of the funeral and the presence of international delegations emphasize that his influence extended beyond Georgia, exerting a significant impact on the Orthodox world as a whole.