New Patriarch of Georgia Shio III expresses support for Metropolitan Onufriy and UOC

The newly elected Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Shio III, shortly before his election to the Patriarchal throne, officially expressed his support for the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), Metropolitan Onufriy, reaffirming the Georgian Church’s commitment to canonical unity with the UOC. This statement was a significant signal that the Georgian Patriarchate’s foreign policy course will be maintained after the change of leadership.

According to OrthoChristian, the words of support were voiced during a meeting between Patriarch Shio III and Metropolitan Sergiy of Ternopil and Kremenets, who represented the UOC during the funeral service of the deceased Patriarch Elijah II. During the conversation, Metropolitan Shio asked to convey his regards to Metropolitan Onufriy, adding: “I really respect and love him very much.”

Experts note that the position of Metropolitan Shio III, now Patriarch Shio III, completely coincides with the line of his predecessor, Patriarch Elijah II. It is about not recognizing the OCU and supporting the UOC as the only legitimate Orthodox Church in the country. Prior to his election, Shio III was characterized as a candidate who maintains a conservative approach to the Ukrainian issue, and his recent words confirmed these expectations.

Earlier, the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufriy, sent an official greeting to the newly elected Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Shio III. In his address, he expressed hope for strengthening sisterly relations between the two Churches and preserving unity in the spirit of mutual love in Christ.