Ruling party founder Ivanishvili, his wife, congratulate Shio III on election as Patriarch

Ruling Georgian Dream party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili and his wife Ekaterina Ivanishvili have congratulated Shio III on his election as the new head of the Georgian Orthodox Church.

In a joint statement on Monday, the Ivanishvilis described the role of Catholicos-Patriarch as both an honour and a major responsibility, particularly at a time when Georgian society “especially needs spiritual strength, unity and peace”.

“From today, you have been entrusted with the honourable and at the same time highly responsible mission of leading our Mother Church and serving as the spiritual father of every Orthodox Georgian,” the statement said.

The message also stressed the historical weight of continuing the legacy of Ilia II, who led the Church for nearly half a century.

“It is an immense historical responsibility to serve the Church and the country at a time when society particularly requires spiritual resilience, unity and peace,” the statement read.

According to Ivanishvilis, Shio III’s leadership could become “a foundation for calm, solidarity and national unity” while strengthening the centuries-old traditions and values of the Georgian Orthodox Church.

The statement concluded with wishes for “health, strength and spiritual fortitude” for the newly elected patriarch and blessings for Georgia.