“A great honour and a heavy cross” - Patriarch Shio III delivers emotional first address after election

The newly elected Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Shio III on Monday delivered his first address at Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, saying it was difficult for him to express his spiritual emotions at this moment.

“It is hard for me at this moment to convey to you my spiritual state and the first feelings accompanying this choice, which has bestowed upon me both a great honor and a heavy cross”, Shio III said.

The newly elected Patriarch thanked God for what he described as a great blessing. He also expressed gratitude to the Holy Virgin Mary, the saints of the Orthodox Church, Venerable Father Shio of Mgvime, the clergy of the Senaki and Chkhorotsku Diocese, Saint Alexi Shushania, and other saints for their support and intercession.

“I thank the hierarchs of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church for the tremendous trust they have shown in me. I also thank every person who worked to ensure today’s proceedings were conducted with dignity, as well as all delegates and guests attending the assembly. Special thanks go to the Georgian people for their love, prayers, and support. I would also like to thank the clergy of the Senaki and Chkhorotsku Diocese for their trust and for the years spent together serving God and the nation. It is a great grace and mercy from God, and at the same time, the cross and responsibility of shepherding the Church is heavy. It is impossible to fully comprehend the providence and intentions of the Lord”, His Holiness and Beatitude Shio III stated.

Shio III was elected Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia with 22 votes from the bishops.