Patriarch Shio III addresses flock after enthronement

Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III. Photo: Union of Orthodox Journalists

On May 12, 2026, the enthronement of the 142nd Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Shio III, took place at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi. Immediately after the solemn rite concluded, His Holiness addressed the episcopate, clergy, and people with his first patriarchal message.

“Today, it is the Church that has become the stronghold of our unity. Modern life constantly confronts us with difficulties, and therefore the burden of patriarchal ministry has become twice as heavy. This time requires still greater labor and spiritual struggle from us. That is why we must share this ministry together.

We must open wide the doors of the Church to everyone without exception. For the tomorrow of our country and our children is our common future. Today, standing before this great apostolic responsibility, I turn in prayer to the blessed souls of our ancestors. My path is to humbly bear this heavy cross and continue serving for the sake of increasing love among the people.

When I recall the saints of our country, I am overcome by a sense of my own helplessness. It is hard to find an answer to the question of why God has placed such a heavy cross upon me. Yet I recognize this and ask the saints for help on this difficult path. I express my profound gratitude to the hierarchs for the trust they have shown. May we glorify the Lord in love and unity. Amen.”

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the new Patriarch Shio III was enthroned in Georgia.

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