I would like to respond to the past difficult days associated with the death of the Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, and once again express my condolences to all of Georgia, said the Mayor of Tbilisi at today`s meeting of the capital`s government.

"Since the death of our spiritual father, the population of our country, regardless of religious or ethnic beliefs, has shown the greatest unanimity, support and respect for the Patriarch.

For five days, the queues of citizens did not end at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, paying their respects to the Patriarch on his last journey. Due to the flow of people, we had to close several streets near the cathedral and prohibit the movement of vehicles.

Despite the great discomfort, we have not received a single message expressing dissatisfaction from citizens. The country was united, firm and strong. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the population for the patience and solidarity shown.

On behalf of Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, I would like to thank the employees of the Municipality Hall who were actively involved in the organizational issues of the Patriarch`s funeral and burial. Thanks also go to the representatives of various religions and confessions who stood with us in these difficult moments, shared our common pain and even canceled ceremonial events.

I believe that our population will fulfill the Patriarch`s orders and live with love, do our work calmly, without anxiety; the driving force of our life will be the person, respect for his dignity and support. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you all on the Day of Restoration of the Autocephaly of the Georgian Church, which is not only a religious but also a national holiday. A strong, independent Georgian Orthodox Church is the guarantee of the strength of our state. Congratulations, may God protect Georgia", - said Kakha Kaladze.