New Patriarch Shio III enthroned in Georgia

On May 12, 2026, the solemn enthronement of the new Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Shio III, took place in Georgia, the Union of Orthodox Journalists of Georgia reports.

The ceremony was held at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta on the feast day of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called. The new Primate had been elected the day before, on May 11, at the 14th Council. During the service, the patriarchal mitre was placed on the Patriarch. According to Church tradition, the mitre symbolizes the crown of thorns placed on the head of Christ. The cathedral could not accommodate everyone wishing to attend the celebration.

After the enthronement, the Primate of the Georgian Orthodox Church issued his first decree within the walls of Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. The new Patriarch took the name Shio III in honor of one of the Thirteen Syrian Fathers who established Christianity in Georgia.

President of Georgia Mikheil Kavelashvili, leader of the ruling party Bidzina Ivanishvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, and Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze prayed at the service.

As previously reported by the UOJ, a new Patriarch was elected in Georgia.