Non-parliamentary opposition parties in Georgia have congratulated the country and the Georgian Orthodox Church on the election of the new Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III (Mujiri). In its statement, the “Gakharia for Georgia” party wished the newly elected primate success in the “vital mission of spiritually strengthening the nation.” The political force expressed confidence that the Church would remain a pillar of peace, mutual support, and national unity. “We congratulate Georgia and the Georgian Orthodox Church on the election of the new Catholicos-Patriarch. We wish the Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia, Shio III, success in fulfilling the crucial mission of the spiritual strengthening of the people,” the party’s statement read. The “Lelo — Strong Georgia” party also issued a congratulatory message. The statement emphasized that the election of the new Patriarch should contribute to the strengthening of national unity and […]
Non-parliamentary opposition parties in Georgia have congratulated the country and the Georgian Orthodox Church on the election of the new Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III (Mujiri).
The “Gakharia for Georgia” party, in its statement, wished the newly elected primate success in the “vital mission of spiritually strengthening the nation.” The political force expressed confidence that the Church would remain a pillar of peace, mutual support, and national unity.
“We congratulate Georgia and the Georgian Orthodox Church on the election of the new Catholicos-Patriarch. We wish the Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia, Shio III, success in fulfilling the crucial mission of the spiritual strengthening of the people,” the party’s statement said.
A congratulatory message was also issued by the “Lelo — Strong Georgia” party. The statement emphasized that the election of the new Patriarch should contribute to the strengthening of national unity and public accord.
The political force noted the significant role of Ilia II, describing his many years of service as a contribution to the strengthening of national identity and the spiritual revival of the country.
“We believe that under the leadership of the new Patriarch, the Georgian Orthodox Church will worthily continue its historical mission and play an important role in strengthening national unity, public accord, spiritual peace, and the stable development of the country,” the statement read.
Both political forces emphasized the need for the state to develop on the basis of democratic institutions, religious freedom, and cooperation between the state and the Church founded on mutual respect.
It should be noted that Shio Mujiri, the Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne, was elected as the new Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia (the 142nd in the country’s history) at the 14th expanded assembly in the Sameba (Holy Trinity) Cathedral on May 11, 2026. From this day forward, he is Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Shio III.
Up to 1,200 delegates took part in the expanded assembly. Shio Mujiri received 22 votes, Metropolitan Iov received 9, and Metropolitan Grigor received 7 votes.
The enthronement of the new Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Shio Mujiri — Shio III — will take place at the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta on May 12. According to church statutes, the solemn ceremony of the new head’s induction into office in the Georgian Orthodox Church must take place on the very first religious holiday following the conclusion of the vote and the election of the new patriarch.
As a reminder, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II passed away on March 17 at the age of 93. Starting March 18, a public wake was held at the Sameba Cathedral. Thousands of citizens paid their respects to the Georgian Patriarch. Throughout the days of mourning, the flow of people wishing to say farewell to the head of the GOC was continuous, 24 hours a day.
In many cases, citizens had to stand in line for several hours to enter the cathedral. Some had to stay overnight on the grounds of Sameba due to the large influx of parishioners in order to reach the cathedral by morning.
Ilia II was buried on March 22 in the Sioni Cathedral.
To organize the funeral and ensure security during the days of mourning, a state commission was established, headed by the Prime Minister of Georgia, which included members of the government and three representatives of the Georgian Orthodox Church.
Ilia II was elected Catholicos-Patriarch on December 23, 1977. His Holiness’s enthronement took place on December 25, 1977.
Enthronement of the New Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia to Take Place in Svetitskhoveli