European Union congratulates Patriarch Shio III on his election

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

The Delegation of the European Union to Georgia published an official congratulatory message on its Facebook page addressed to the newly elected Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Shio III. The diplomatic mission emphasized the significance of the event and noted the special status of the Church institution in the life of the Georgian people.

“The European Union extends its warmest congratulations on the election of His Holiness and Beatitude Shio III as Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia,” the statement reads.

The authors of the message noted that the Primate’s spiritual authority is of decisive importance for preserving the foundations of statehood. “The Georgian Orthodox Church has played a key role throughout Georgia’s history in preserving national and cultural identity,” European diplomats emphasized.

The EU Delegation expressed confidence that the personal qualities of the new head of the Church would help overcome existing divisions in society. “At a moment when the world is in great need of moral clarity, reconciliation and hope, we trust that Your Holiness’ spiritual guidance and wisdom will be a source of inspiration for all those who seek unity in times of uncertainty and division,” the mission stated.

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

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