Georgian President сongratulates Patriarch on his election
President of Georgia and Patriarch Shio. Photo: Facebook page of the president
On May 11, 2026, Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili congratulated Metropolitan Shio on his election as Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia in a message published on his Facebook page.
The head of state stressed that the choice of a new spiritual leader is directly connected with the future of the homeland, the unity of the people, and the country’s centuries-old traditions. In his address, the president expressed confidence that under the leadership of the new Patriarch, the Georgian Orthodox Church would grow even stronger.
Kavelashvili also emphasized the Patriarch’s “immeasurable role” in establishing ideals of love, peace, and mutual respect within society.
“I sincerely wish You to worthily continue the legacy of the nation’s principal pillar – His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II,” the president stated.
As the UOJ reported, Metropolitan Shio became the 142nd Primate of the Georgian Church. Since November 2017, he had served as locum tenens of the patriarchal throne and was considered the closest associate of the previous head of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Within Church circles, Metropolitan Shio is known as a consistent defender of canonical Orthodoxy and traditional moral values.
Read also
Major U.S. hospital network refuses to implement new assisted suicide law
Advocate Health Care said it would not participate in Illinois’ assisted suicide program.
OCU activists call TRC to service of persecuted UOC community in Kremenchuk
After seizing the Holy Trinity Church in Kremenchuk, Dumenko's followers attempted to disrupt the worship service of UOC believers held in the open air.
Bila Tserkva authorities attempting to seize monastery building from UOC
The Bila Tserkva City Council is attempting to reclaim the buildings of the St. Mary Magdalene Convent for communal ownership through the courts.
Egyptian police arrest Christians targeted in Muslim attacks
Copts were released once they withdrew their complaints against their assailants.
Primate of Macedonian Church congratulates Lavra's abbot on name day
Archbishop Stefan noted the zeal of the Lavra's abbot, who shares the sorrows of his flock.
Persecuted community in Stari Broskivtsi marks patronal feast in new church
The rector thanked the faithful for building a new church to replace the one that was seized.