Delegation of the Patriarchate of Constantinople pays official visit to the Georgian Orthodox Church

on May 16-17, 2026, a delegation from the Patriarchate of Constantinople, headed by Archbishop Nikita of Thyatira and Great Britain, visited Tbilisi to express support and emphasize the unbreakable unity between the Orthodox Churches of Constantinople and Georgia. The visit took place on the occasion of the first Patriarchal Liturgy of Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Shio III at the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

According to Orthodox Times, in his address to Patriarch Shio III, Archbishop Nikita conveyed greetings from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I. He noted that the presence of the delegation is «a visible sign of the bonds that unite the Mother Church of Constantinople and the Church of Georgia,» affirming their common faith and spiritual mission in the modern world.

In his speech, the Archbishop drew a deep historical and spiritual parallel, comparing the continuity of the patriarchal ministry with the biblical story of the prophet Elijah and his disciple Elisha. He emphasized that the late Patriarch Elijah II handed his successor «the mantle and the rod» for the spiritual leadership of the flock. The Archbishop urged the new Primate to build strong relations with the people of Georgia, noting that the country and the world today are in dire need of leaders capable of leading the faithful to the Kingdom of Heaven.

Special attention was paid to global challenges. Archbishop Nikita emphasized that in the conditions of a divided world, wars and confusion, clergymen are called to be peacemakers and follow the path of love commanded by Apostle Paul. Concluding his speech with the cry of «Christ is Risen!», the representative of Constantinople assured Patriarch Shio of Patriarch Bartholomew’s fraternal prayerful support and called for joint work for the glory of the Church.