The Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church is to convene this afternoon to determine the funeral arrangements for Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, with full details expected to be announced once the session concludes, Archpriest Andria Jaghmaidze, head of the Patriarchate’s public relations office, told journalists.

“The Synod will gather at 14:00 local time, as prescribed by ecclesiastical tradition, and will deliberate on the various procedures surrounding the Patriarch’s burial. Following the session, the Patriarch’s remains will be transferred to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, known as Sameba Cathedral, with all further details to be made public once the Synod has reached its decisions,” Andria Jaghmaidze has said.

When asked to comment on reports circulating that Ilia II may be laid to rest at Sioni Cathedral in Tbilisi, Jaghmaidze confirmed that such information had been received, whilst stressing that the matter rests with the Synod to determine. The date of the burial, he added, would likewise be announced only after the session had concluded.

Jaghmaidze once again expressed his profound sorrow at the Patriarch’s passing.

“This is an immense loss, and the grief at the death of the Catholicos-Patriarch is very great indeed,” he said.