UOC delegation meets with the Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church in Tbilisi

Representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church held an official meeting with the leadership of the Georgian Orthodox Church in Tbilisi to discuss issues of inter-church unity and strengthening fraternal relations. The visit took place within the framework of mourning events dedicated to the farewell to the newly deceased Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II.

According to the Information and Education Department of the UOC, the meeting was held on March 23, 2026. It was attended by Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Chkhorotsk, the Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne of Georgia, as well as members of the Holy Synod of the UOC. With the blessing of His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufriy, the Ukrainian delegation included Metropolitan Sergiy of Ternopil and Kremenets, Archpriest Vasyl Pritz, Secretary of the Department for External Church Relations, and Deacon Maxim Savchuk. Also Metropolitan Longin of Banchena arrived in Georgia to participate in the funeral ceremonies.

During the official conversation Metropolitan Sergiy conveyed deep condolences on behalf of the Primate of the UOC. The bishop emphasized the significant role of Patriarch Ilia II in the revival and development of world Orthodoxy. The parties discussed the current state of relations between the local Churches of Ukraine and Georgia, expressing the hope that «the Lord will continue to bless our Orthodox peoples and strengthen the unity of the Church». At the end of the visit, the members of the delegation celebrated a requiem liturgy at the tomb of the deceased high priest in the Cathedral of Sion in Tbilisi.

Recall that the official delegation of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) visited Tbilisi on March 21-22, 2026 to participate in the funeral services and farewell ceremony for His Holiness and Beatitude Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II.