A solemn farewell ceremony and funeral service for renowned sculptor and painter Zurab Tsereteli was held today at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow, drawing tributes from across Russia’s artistic, political, and spiritual communities. Tsereteli passed away at the age of 91 on the night of April 22 at his home in Peredelkino, near Moscow.

The funeral service, led by Metropolitan Gregory of Voskresensk — chief administrator of the Moscow Patriarchate — was conducted in a special Paschal rite in accordance with the liturgical traditions of Bright Week. The Patriarchal Choir, under the direction of Dmitry Glushchenko, performed Easter hymns as part of the ceremony.

Before the service, Metropolitan Gregory read a message of condolence from Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’, who highlighted Tsereteli’s immense contribution to world art, his pivotal role in restoring the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, and his leadership of the Russian Academy of Arts, where he served as president until his final days.

Family members, close friends, students, cultural figures, and government representatives gathered for the farewell. Wreaths were placed near the coffin from President Vladimir Putin, Patriarch Kirill, the Presidential Administration, the Ministry of Culture, the Moscow Government, and other institutions.

Following the Moscow ceremony, Tsereteli’s body was transported to his native Tbilisi. A public memorial is being held at the Zurab Tsereteli Museum of Modern Art on April 24 and 25. He will be laid to rest on April 27 in the Didube Pantheon next to his late wife, Inessa Andronikashvili, who passed away in 1998.

Born on January 4, 1934, in Tbilisi, Tsereteli's career spanned decades. He served as chief artist for the 1980 Moscow Olympics, led cultural projects for the Soviet Foreign Ministry, and oversaw major national monuments, including the Victory Park complex on Poklonnaya Hill and the restoration of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. His monumental works are installed across Russia, the former Soviet republics, and around the world.