Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, was buried at Sioni Patriarchal Cathedral. A memorial service was held in the church before the burial, according to Interpressnews.

The Patriarch was carried in a procession from the Holy Trinity Cathedral to the Sioni Patriarchal Cathedral. The removal of the body from Sameba Cathedral took place to chants of "We love you, Patriarch!" and applause.

Military personnel holding Georgian flags were stationed along the entire perimeter from Sameba to Sioni Cathedral. Thousands of people took part in the funeral procession.

Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II passed away on March 17 at the age of 93.

Various delegations attended the funeral ceremony, including a delegation led by Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan. Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II was unable to bid farewell to the Georgian Patriarch, as an investigator did not approve his petition to have his travel ban lifted.