Metropolitan Shio, the Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne, expressed his gratitude to Patriarch Bartholomew

Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Chhorotskuia, the Metropolitan of Senaki and Chhorotskuia, addressed words of deep gratitude to Patriarch Bartholomew during the funeral ceremony at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi. In his speech, he emphasized the long-standing support and special attitude of the Patriarchate of Constantinople towards the Georgian Orthodox Church and its Primate.

According to Orthodox Times, Metropolitan Shio thanked Patriarch Bartholomew for his warm farewell speech, noting the sincerity and spiritual depth of what he said. «It is well known that you have a deep love and respect for Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II and his great merits. I would like to thank you for your wonderfully warm words,» the hierarch stated.

Special attention in the address was paid to the Ecumenical Patriarch’s historical contribution to strengthening the status of Georgian Orthodoxy. Metropolitan Shio recalled the significant role of Patriarch Bartholomew in the official recognition of the autocephaly of the Georgian Orthodox Church, which has existed since ancient times. According to the Metropolitan, the Georgian people and the Church will forever preserve the memory of this important contribution to the history of their spiritual sovereignty.