PM Kobakhidze congratulates newly elected Patriarch Shio III

Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has congratulated the newly elected Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Shio III, describing his election as a historic moment for the country’s national and spiritual life.

In a statement released after the conclusion of the Church Council vote, Kobakhidze said Georgia’s Orthodox Church had entered “a new historical chapter” with the election of its new spiritual leader.

“Your Holiness and Beatitude Shio III, I congratulate you with the greatest respect on being entrusted with this highly honourable and highly responsible mission,” the prime minister said.

Kobakhidze expressed confidence that the new patriarch would continue the spiritual legacy established by Ilia II, who led the Georgian Orthodox Church for nearly five decades before his death in March.

The PM said the Georgian Orthodox Church has historically served as a cornerstone of Georgian statehood and spiritual resilience.

“The Orthodox faith preserved the enduring values that brought our country to where it is today,” he said.

Kobakhidze also said he believed the leadership of Shio III would contribute to “a peaceful, united and strong future” for Georgia.

“May God protect our country and its new spiritual father,” the statement concluded.