Patriarch Bartholomew congratulated the newly elected Patriarch Shio III of Georgia

on May 17, 2026, a telephone conversation took place between Patriarch Bartholomew and the newly elected Patriarch of Georgia, Shio III. The conversation was timed to coincide with the first Patriarchal and Synodal Divine Liturgy of the new Primate of the Georgian Orthodox Church in Tbilisi.

According to the Greek Orthodox publication Romfea.gr, Patriarch Bartholomew wished Patriarch Shio III a fruitful and long high priestly ministry for the benefit of the Georgian people and the prosperity of his country. In response, the Patriarch of Georgia expressed deep gratitude for the warm words and emphasized the feelings of brotherly love and respect for the See of Constantinople.

Recall that from May 16 to 18, 2026, Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople and Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church Archbishop John made a joint pilgrimage visit to Cappadocia. The program of the trip includes visits to significant shrines, joint divine services and official meetings with representatives of local authorities in Turkey.