Patriarch Bartholomew congratulates Patriarch Shio on his election

Patriarch Shio and Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: Vima Orthodoxias

On May 12, 2026, Patriarch Bartholomew sent a letter of congratulations to the newly elected Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Shio III. The head of the Phanar called the election of the new hierarch to the “ancient throne” worthy and emphasized the significance of the historic ministry of his predecessor, the late Patriarch Ilia II.

“We received with great joy – both personally and together with all those serving at the Ecumenical Patriarchate – the good news of the worthy election of Your beloved Beatitude,” the message reads. Patriarch Bartholomew wished the new Primate a long, blessed, and fruitful archpastoral ministry to the glory of God.

The letter gave particular attention to inter-Church cooperation. “We pray for the advancement, in harmonious cooperation with us and with the other Primates of the sister Orthodox Churches, of pan-Orthodox unity, cooperation, and common witness before the world,” the head of the Phanar emphasized.

He concluded his address with the Greek acclamation “Axios!” and a note expressing “great love in Christ Jesus.”

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Patriarch Bartholomew accused the ROC of destroying the unity of Orthodoxy.

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