By Lucy Papachristou TBILISI, March 22 (Reuters) - Large crowds of Orthodox Christians gathered in the centre of the Georgian capital on Sunday to mourn Ilia II, the spiritual leader who led the
Georgians Pay Tribute as Patriarch Ilia II Is Laid to Rest After 49 Years
Nation Mourns the Passing of a Spiritual Leader
By Lucy Papachristou
Mass Gatherings in Tbilisi
TBILISI, March 22 (Reuters) - Large crowds of Orthodox Christians gathered in the centre of the Georgian capital on Sunday to mourn Ilia II, the spiritual leader who led the church through nearly half a century of Georgia's often tumultuous history.
Life and Legacy of Ilia II
Early Life and Rise to Patriarch
Ilia II, born Irakli Ghudushauri-Shiolashvili, died on Tuesday in hospital aged 93, having served as patriarch in the overwhelmingly Orthodox country for 49 years.
Personal Tributes
"He was a friend, he was a father, he was a leader," said mourner Nino Kajaia. "This is the end of an era."
Funeral Procession and Public Mourning
Farewell Along the Tbilisi River
Georgians of all ages, some holding flowers and candles, gathered along the Tbilisi river embankment to bid farewell as Ilia II's funeral cortege made its way to the Sioni Cathedral, where the patriarch was laid to rest.
Emotional Farewells
Many wept and clapped as the car bearing his coffin drove by, shouting "I love you, patriarch!"
Historical and Religious Context
Christianity in Georgia
Georgia adopted Christianity as its state religion in the early fourth century, and remains deeply religious to this day.
Ilia II's Leadership Through Turbulent Times
Ilia II became patriarch in 1977 and led the church through the Soviet period and the civil wars of the 1990s.
Uniting the Nation
"We lost a man who, over the course of 49 years, managed to unite the nation," said Giga Tutberidze, a doctor.
(Reporting by Lucy PapachristouEditing by Christina Fincher)
