Georgian PM: May the Lord protect the nation’s new spiritual father
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. Photo: Accentnews.ge
On May 11, 2026, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze congratulated the newly elected Catholicos-Patriarch Shio (Mujiri), a Georgian media outlet reported.
The head of government stressed that a historic moment had arrived in the life of the country: the Georgian Church now has a new primate, who assumes immense responsibility for the spiritual future of the people.
Kobakhidze noted that the Mother Church has always been an unshakable pillar of Georgian statehood. According to him, it is only through the Orthodox faith that the nation has preserved its eternal values and reached the present day despite all historical trials.
The prime minister expressed confidence that the new Patriarch Shio would become a worthy successor to Ilia II and continue the work he had built over decades with “exceptional wisdom and love.”
“May the Lord protect our country and its new spiritual father!” the head of the Cabinet of Ministers concluded.
As previously reported by the UOJ, Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) of Senaki and Chkhorotsku became the 142nd Patriarch of Georgia following the Council held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi. Twenty-two hierarchs voted for his candidacy.
Read also
Met. Theodosiy links his criminal case to ex-prosecutor named in NABU tapes
A Cherkasy court extended Metropolitan Theodosiy’s preventive measure for another two months – until November 29, 2026.
Stefanchuk: Seeking UCCRO-LGBT compromise on new Civil Code
The Verkhovna Rada speaker said the working group is seeking a broad public compromise as it revises the draft of the new Civil Code.
Rabbi thanks SBU for arresting Ukrainian over antisemitic threats
Moshe Azman called for those who incite religious hatred to be held accountable, warning that the line between online threats and real-world violence can be very thin.
Pochaiv Lavra calls for fasting ahead of Kyiv Metropolia court hearing
The Pochaiv Lavra Spiritual Council called on the faithful to unite in prayer and fasting from October 5 through 7.
Russian strike damages Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Sumy for fourth time
One of the aerial bombs struck the cemetery in Sumy, causing extensive damage to the church’s facade, roof and interior.
Baptist in Volyn gets suspended sentence for refusing mobilization
The Baptist denied being a draft evader, saying his religious beliefs prevent him from taking up arms.