Georgian Government announces free transport nationwide for Patriarch’s funeral
The Georgian government on Thursday announced that Tbilisi municipal transport would serve passengers free of charge on Saturday and Sunday in connection with the funeral of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II.
According to the official statement, additional free transportation will also be arranged for citizens traveling from various regions to the capital to attend the funeral.
The decision was made by a special state commission established in relation to the funeral. The commission also ruled that passengers will be served free of charge by Georgian Railway.
Furthermore, extra trips will be scheduled across both road and railway transport to accommodate increased passenger demand during this period.
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19 March 2026, 12:40
Politics
Georgian Foreign Ministry links US visa bond requirement to high rate of violations
The Georgian foreign ministry on Thursday said the decision by the United States to introduce a visa bond requirement for non-immigrant visas issued to Georgian citizens was linked to a high rate of violations of US visa regulations by Georgian nationals.
19 March 2026, 10:59
Society
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to attend funeral of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II
The Georgian ministry of foreign affairs on Wednesday confirmed that His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew would be present at the funeral of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia.
19 March 2026, 10:54
Politics
Turkish President offers condolences on passing of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II
Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Wednesday sent a letter of condolence to the Georgian prime minister Irakli Kobakhidze, following the passing of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II.
18 March 2026, 20:56
Society
“May his memory be eternal” - Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew honours Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II
His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on Wednesday expressed condolences on the passing of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia, highlighting the strengthened ties between the Georgian Orthodox Church and the Church of Constantinople.
18 March 2026, 20:36
Society
Armenian President portrays Ilia II as enduring symbol of steadfast faith, national unity, solidarity
Armenian president Vahagn Khachaturyan on Wednesday sent a letter of condolence to his Georgian counterpart Mikheil Kavelashvili, following the death of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II.
18 March 2026, 17:05
Society
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.
18 March 2026, 16:34
Society
Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia will be laid to rest at Tbilisi’s Sioni Cathedral on Sunday
The Catholicos-Patriarch of all Georgia Ilia II will be laid to rest at the Sioni Cathedral on Sunday, according to information released after a session of the Holy Synod.
18 March 2026, 15:35
Politics
Armenian PM: Ilia II’s nearly half-century leadership symbolised high spiritual values, patriotism, friendship between nations
Armenian prime minister Nikol Pashinyan on Wednesday sent a letter of condolence to his Georgian counterpart Irakli Kobakhidze, following the death of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II.
18 March 2026, 15:33
Society
Hungarian Ambassador pays tribute to Ilia II, highlights Patriarch's monumental role in Georgia’s spiritual life
Petra Ponevács-Pana, the Hungarian ambassador to Georgia, on Wednesday expressed her deep sorrow following the passing of His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia.
18 March 2026, 15:03
Society
Georgian PM says Patriarch’s death closes monumental chapter in Georgian Church and state history
Georgian prime minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday extended his deepest condolences to all of Georgia on the passing of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, stressing that the Patriarch’s contributions to preserving national identity, safeguarding traditions, and strengthening statehood were invaluable.
18 March 2026, 14:16
Society
Georgia mourns Patriarch Ilia II, President highlights his legacy in strengthening Church, calls his service invaluable
Georgian president Mikheil Kavelashvili on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II.
18 March 2026, 13:47
Society
EU delegation: Patriarch Ilia II played vital role in preserving Georgia’s national identity, faith
The European Union delegation to Georgia on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow over the passing of His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II.
18 March 2026, 13:42
Society
Georgian FM remembers Patriarch Ilia II as nation’s “spiritual pillar and conscience”
Georgian foreign minister Maka Botchorishvili on Wednesday said His Holiness, Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia Ilia II was not only a Patriarch, but also the spiritual pillar and conscience of the Georgian nation.
18 March 2026, 13:40
Society
Ilia II to be moved to Holy Trinity Cathedral in foot procession, Georgian Patriarchate says
According to the Public Relations Service of the Georgian Patriarchate, a ceremonial procession will begin today at 16:00, transferring His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II to the Holy Trinity Cathedral.
18 March 2026, 13:00
Society
Azerbaijani President says “deeply saddened” to receive news of passing of Patriarch Ilia II
Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev on Wednesday expressed deep sadness over the passing of His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II.
18 March 2026, 12:59
Society
UAE leaders extend condolences to Georgian authorities over passing of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II
Leaders of the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday extended condolences to the Georgian authorities over the death of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II.
18 March 2026, 12:59
Society
US Embassy in Georgia expresses condolences on passing of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II
The Embassy of the United States in Georgia on Wednesday extended deepest condolences on the passing of His Holiness, Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia Ilia II.
18 March 2026, 12:36
Society
Patriarch Ilia II remembered worldwide for spiritual leadership
The passing of His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II, has sparked an outpouring of condolences from world leaders, diplomats, and religious figures across the globe, underscoring his profound spiritual authority and the deep international respect he commanded.
18 March 2026, 12:20
Society
Georgian Parliament Speaker: Georgia has lost its spiritual father
Georgia has lost its spiritual father, His Holiness Patriarch Ilia II, who dedicated every moment of his life to serving Christ, protecting the nation, and caring for his flock, said on Wednesday the Georgian Parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili.