Shio III will play key role in uniting Georgian society, State Minister Mdinaradze

State Minister for law enforcement coordination, Mamuka Mdinaradze, has said he believed the newly enthroned Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Shio III, will make a significant contribution to the unity of the Georgian nation and society.

Speaking to journalists at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral following the enthronement ceremony on Tuesday, Mdinaradze described the new Patriarch as “a very worthy person” and wished him success in his new role.

“He will be an outstanding Patriarch,” Mdinaradze said. “I believe he will have an important voice in our country and will make a special contribution to the unity of the nation and the people.”

The Vice Prime Minister also said the role carried a particularly heavy responsibility following the leadership of Ilia II, adding that he was confident Shio III would be able to fulfil the duties entrusted to him by the Church and the Holy Synod.

Shio III was formally enthroned earlier at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral after being elected by an expanded council of the Georgian Orthodox Church on 11 May.