Georgian Patriarch Shio to Visit the Phanar
Patriarch Shio's visit to the Phanar is scheduled for September 2026.
Patriarch Bartholomew has stated that the newly elected Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Shio III, will soon visit the Phanar residence of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. This was reported by the Union of Orthodox Journalists in Georgia, citing orthodoxianewsagency.
The statement was made on August 4, 2026, during a meeting between Patriarch Bartholomew and Giorgi Jincharadze, the head of the government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia in exile. The parties discussed a number of pressing issues. The Primate of the Church of Constantinople also recalled the emotions stirred by his initiative to personally attend the funeral procession of Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II, and noted the good communication with his successor — Patriarch Shio III, who is expected at the Phanar in the near future.
As previously reported, the Georgian Orthodox Church suffered a profound loss following the repose of its long-serving Primate — Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, who had led the Church for decades. Following his passing to the Lord, an election was held, as a result of which Patriarch Shio III was elected as the new Primate.
