US delegation expresses gratitude for meeting with Patriarch Shio III, eyes stronger ties with Georgian Orthodox Church

The United States Embassy in Georgia on Sunday issued a statement following the meeting between the US State Department delegation and Shio III, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, expressing its intention to strengthen relations with the Georgian Orthodox Church.

The Embassy noted that the delegation emphasised that the relationship between the two countries was rooted in shared civilisational values, including faith, family, national identity, and respect for fundamental human rights and dignity.

“Following their meeting with the Patriarch on May 27, representatives of the visiting US Department of State delegation issued the following statement: it was an honour for the United States delegation to meet in Tbilisi, at the Patriarchate, with His Holiness and Beatitude Shio III, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. The delegation emphasised the civilisational ties that form the foundation of US-Georgia relations. The United States views Georgia’s fundamental values as the basis of this friendship, including faith, family, national identity, and deep respect for God-given rights that safeguard human dignity”, the statement said.

The delegation also underscored the Church’s role as a unifying institution within Georgian society and expressed hope that it would continue to promote national reconciliation and unity.

“The US delegation highlighted the Christian virtues that have distinguished Georgian civilisation for centuries through compassion and mercy, as well as the Church’s historic mission of serving as a voice of reconciliation among Georgians. The delegation expressed hope that the Church would continue this mission of strengthening national unity with renewed spirit”, the Embassy noted.

“The United States looks forward to deepening its relationship with the Georgian Orthodox Church”, the statement concluded.

Shio III, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, on Wednesday hosted the officials from the United States Department of State Charles Yockey and Peter Andreoli, as well as, and the acting US Ambassador to Georgia Alan Purcell to discuss relations between the United States and Georgia.