Patriarch Shio III: pray for me and for the future of our Church

His Holiness and Beatitude, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi, and Metropolitan of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia, Shio III on Tuesday expressed his profound gratitude to the clergy and the congregation for their unwavering support and love.

The statement was made at the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral immediately following his formal enthronement ceremony.

Addressing the gathered faithful, the newly enthroned Patriarch emphasised the necessity of spiritual unity as he begins his ministry.

During his address, Patriarch Shio III called upon the nation to support him through prayer, highlighting the weight of his new responsibility.

"I ask you, please pray for me; pray for the future of our Church, for your prayers will give me the strength to serve the Orthodox Church and the God-blessed Georgian nation with loyalty and humility”, the Patriarch stated.

The enthronement marks a new chapter for the Georgian Apostolic Autocephalous Orthodox Church. The ceremony was attended by high-ranking members of the Holy Synod, state officials, and thousands of pilgrims who traveled to the ancient capital of Mtskheta to witness the event.