Georgian PM congratulates Shio III on election as Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia

Georgian prime minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Monday congratulated Shio III on his election as Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, stating that a historic page was turned in the history of the national and spiritual life.

“Today, a historic page was turned in the history of our national and spiritual life - the Georgian Apostolic Autocephalous Orthodox Church has a new leader. I congratulate all of Georgia on the election of the Catholicos-Patriarch”, he said.

“Your Holiness and Beatitude, Shio III, I extend my deepest respect and congratulations on being chosen for this highly honorable and highly responsible mission. We believe that you will worthily continue the great spiritual legacy that our Holiness and Beatitude, Patriarch Ilia II, built over decades with exceptional wisdom and love”, the prime minister continued.

Kobakhidze further added that the Mother Church had always been an unshakable pillar of Georgian statehood and the spiritual strength of the nation.

“It was the Orthodox faith that preserved the eternal values that have carried our country to this day. I believe that your pastoral leadership will serve the peaceful, united, and strong future of our homeland. May God protect our country and its new spiritual father”, he concluded.