Georgian Government: State Commission to lead Patriarch funeral preparations

A working meeting was held on Wednesday at the government administration of Georgia to coordinate the organisational details for the funeral of His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia.

The meeting was attended by Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, President Mikheil Kavelashvili, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze, Head of the State Security Service Mamuka Mdinaradze, Head of the Special State Protection Service Anzor Chubinidze, as well as members of the Cabinet.

According to the government administration, a State Commission will be established specifically to manage the funeral proceedings.

Furthermore, representatives of the Georgian government will actively participate in the work of the Patriarchate’s Commission to ensure seamless cooperation between the state and the Church.

In connection with the passing of the Catholicos-Patriarch, a period of national mourning has been officially declared in Georgia. The mourning period will continue through the day of the funeral.