“We strongly believe that from now on, the soul of his Holiness and Beatitude will have an eternal place in heaven, and, we, our country, will have a great patron, and that Ilia II, through his prayers, will help us to continue his path with dignity that is grounded on love and loyalty of church, God, motherland and humankind; what he had preached – peace, faithfulness, tolerance,” said Mitropolitan Shio (Mujiri), the locum tenens of the patriarchal throne in the Sioni Cathedral delivering a sermon in connection with 40 days from the passing away of Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II.

According to Mitropolitan Shio, the past 40 days have become days of reflection, of seeing the personality of His Holiness Ilia II in a new way, as well as of getting to know the Georgian people in a new way.

“The flow of parishioners visiting the grave of His Holiness has not stopped for the time being. People of all ages and social statuses want to express their gratitude and affection for him; among them are many youngsters because His Holiness’ care and love extended to everyone, regardless of age, social status, or occupation.

We have celebrated Happy Easter, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This was the first Easter we celebrated without His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II. It may seem that our hearts were overwhelmed with human weakness, feelings, and confusion, a confused flock, we might think about what we could do without him. However, as we have overcome this despair in the days of his death, especially during Easter days, by the grace of God and His Holiness, this sorrow and pain in us was overcome by the great spirit of faith and hope in God,” he said.