The new Patriarch of Georgia, Shio III, said during a sermon at the Sioni Cathedral of Tbilisi that the soul of Ilia II should be blessed and gratitude should be expressed for his great service.

The Patriarch performed a memorial service for the soul of Ilia II at the cathedral.

“Let us bless the soul of Ilia II and thank him for his great service. He created and built the spiritual life of our modern Church and left us as one large family, just as a father leaves his family,” Shio III said.

He added that they had come to ask for help and spiritual support in the difficult responsibilities of leadership.

“I said at the council that, on the one hand, I am aware of the greatness of this calling, and on the other hand, I am aware of my own weakness and unworthiness. We have come to His Holiness and Beatitude to ask for his intercession and prayers,” he noted.

Shio III compared the situation to a family losing a great father who built everything and left behind a strong household for his children to preserve and develop.

“The duty of the children is to preserve, develop, and continue this path. This is our main mission,” he said, adding that they seek spiritual help and protection through Ilia II’s prayers.