The solemn enthronement of the new Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III took place in Georgia

on May 12, 2026, the historic enthronement ceremony of Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Chkhorotsk as the 142nd Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia took place at the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. According to the Greek Orthodoxia News Agency, the new Primate, who assumed the title of Archbishop of Mtskheta and Tbilisi and Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, succeeded Patriarch Ilia II, who led the Church for almost fifty years.

In his enthronement speech, Patriarch Shio III expressed deep humility before the mission entrusted to him, calling on the flock to pray for his ministry. He emphasized that the Georgian people found their true nature through faith, and for centuries it was Christianity that has served as the guideline of national identity. «Our country has struggled, fought and been subjected to division, but despite this, it has united, fallen and risen again on its feet,» His Holiness noted, adding that the cross of patriarchal ministry cannot be carried without God’s help.

Special attention in the address was paid to the challenges of the modern world. The Patriarch noted that today people’s hearts are often alienated and cold, and faith and family values face numerous temptations. In this regard, he called for «opening the doors of the Church wide to all,» showing special concern for young people and «prodigal children» who have not yet found their way to the temple. According to the Patriarch, the personal example of the clergy should become for future generations a model of faithfulness and love for God.

At the end of the celebration, Metropolitan Daniel of Chiatura and Sachkhere addressed the new head of the Church on behalf of the Holy Synod. He emphasized that during his nine years in the status of observer Patriarch Shio III has shown the necessary qualities to preserve the legacy of his predecessor Ilia II. According to the Synod, the personality of the new Primate harmoniously combines spirituality and intellect: love of prayer and asceticism on the one hand, and a high culture of analytical thinking on the other, which is the key to strengthening the unity of the Church in the future.