Georgian Patriarch Shio to visit the Phanar

Patriarch Shio. Photo: UOJ Georgia

Patriarch Bartholomew has announced that the newly elected Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Patriarch Shio III, will soon visit the Phanar, the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople. This was reported by UOJ Georgia, citing Orthodoxianewsagency.

Patriarch Bartholomew made the announcement on August 4, 2026, during a meeting with Giorgi Jincharadze, head of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia in exile. The parties discussed a number of current issues.

The Primate of the Church of Constantinople also recalled the response to his decision to personally attend the funeral procession of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of All Georgia and noted that he enjoys good communication with Ilia's successor, Patriarch Shio III, whom he expects to welcome to the Phanar in the near future.

As the UOJ previously reported, Patriarch Shio III was enthroned as the new Primate of the Georgian Orthodox Church following the repose of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, who had led the Church for decades.

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