President Kavelashvili congratulates Shio III on election as Patriarch

Georgia’s President Mikheil Kavelashvili has congratulated Shio III on his election as the new head of the Georgian Orthodox Church.

In a statement issued following the patriarchal vote on Monday, Kavelashvili described the selection of a new spiritual leader for the Church as an event of “great national and spiritual significance”.

“The election of a new spiritual leader for our Church is directly connected to the spiritual life, unity and centuries-old traditions of our homeland and people,” the president said.

Kavelashvili expressed confidence that under the leadership of Shio III, the Georgian Orthodox Church would become “even stronger”.

The President added the role of the Catholicos-Patriarch in promoting peace, love and mutual respect within society was “immeasurable”.

“I believe your leadership will be founded precisely on these values,” he said.

The president also wished the newly elected patriarch a “fruitful and God-blessed leadership”, expressing hope that his chairmanship would serve as the foundation for “many good deeds” for the Church, the country and the Georgian people.

Kavelashvili additionally paid tribute to Ilia II, expressing hope that Shio III would worthily continue the legacy of his predecessor.

“May God protect you and all of Georgia,” the statement concluded.