Heads of Local Churches congratulate Patriarch Shio III on his election

Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia Shio III. Photo: UOJ

In their messages, the hierarchs noted the historic significance of Shio’s election as Patriarch, emphasized the ancient apostolic roots of the Georgian Church, and expressed hope that the spiritual course of Patriarch Ilia II would continue.

Serbian Orthodox Church

Serbian Patriarch Porfirije called Shio’s election to the ancient throne of the Georgian patriarchs an expression of God’s favor. According to him, the Orthodox people of Georgia have gained in their new Primate a good shepherd and tireless teacher.

The head of the Serbian Church expressed confidence that Shio III would be a worthy successor to the “spiritual giants” of the past, who wisely governed the Georgian Patriarchate in times of severe trial. Patriarch Porfirije wished that the new Primate’s forthcoming ministry would serve the building up of the entire fullness of Christ’s Church.

Romanian Orthodox Church

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Romania congratulated Patriarch Shio III on behalf of the Holy Synod, clergy, and faithful of Romania. In his message, he wished the newly elected head of the Georgian Church many blessed years of service to his people.

The head of the Romanian Church invoked God’s help upon all the pastoral and missionary work of the new Patriarch. He also expressed the prayerful hope that the Lord would grant Shio III many spiritual achievements in his new and lofty mission.

Albanian Orthodox Church

His Beatitude Archbishop Joan of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania sent the new Patriarch a fraternal greeting and the acclamation “Axios!” He expressed confidence that Patriarch Shio III would be able not only to lead his people toward spiritual flourishing, but also to contribute to deepening the unity of world Orthodoxy.

The head of the Albanian Church emphasized that the holy legacy of Patriarch Ilia II – a hierarch of exceptional stature – is passing into the reliable hands of a successor who will continue this work with great zeal and devotion.

Russian Orthodox Church

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ stressed that the news of Metropolitan Shio’s election had deepened the Paschal joy in the hearts of the children of the Russian Church. He noted that the sister Churches have long been bound by a shared history and zealous witness to the Gospel truth.

Patriarch Kirill particularly pointed to the deep spiritual closeness of the two peoples, which he said he had always felt during his visits to Georgia. The head of the ROC expressed hope for the worthy continuation of the traditions of fraternal communion established under Patriarch Ilia II, and wished the new Primate unfailing help from above for many years of peaceful patriarchal ministry.

Orthodox Church in America

His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon of All America and Canada noted that the Georgian Church holds a special place in the family of Local Churches because of its ancient apostolic heritage. He wished the new Primate wisdom, strength, and abundant grace at the beginning of his sacred ministry.

Metropolitan Tikhon expressed confidence that Patriarch Shio would guide the Church with firm faith and paternal care, following the example of his predecessor, Ilia II. The head of the OCA also voiced hope for the further strengthening of brotherly relations between the two Churches.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Metropolitan Onuphry congratulated Patriarch Shio III of Georgia on his election.

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