Primate of the Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia served Georgian Patriarch Shio III in Tbilisi

His Beatitude Rostislav, Archbishop of Prague, Metropolitan of the Czech Lands and Slovakia, visited Georgia to participate in the celebration of the Day of the Sanctity of the Family and to hold a joint divine service with the newly elected Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Shio III. The visit emphasized the importance of strengthening inter-church dialogue and fraternal ties between the two Local Orthodox Churches in the face of contemporary global challenges.

According to Orthodoxia News Agency, the solemn liturgy took place on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi. Archbishop Rostislav became the only Primate of the local Church to serve Patriarch Shio III on the day when Georgia celebrated the Day of the Sanctity of the Family. In his welcoming remarks, the Czech Hierarch characterized the election of the new Catholicos-Patriarch as «a phenomenon of divine Providence.»

During his speech, His Beatitude Rostislav emphasized the historical steadfastness of the Georgian people. He emphasized that the history of Georgia is washed in the blood of martyrs and was built by the prayers of monks and the wisdom of saints who preserved the faith despite numerous persecutions. «I pray with all my heart and wish that the All-Merciful Lord grant you strength, peace, spiritual wisdom and health as you tirelessly lead your people along the path of Holy Scripture,» Vladyka addressed Patriarch Shio.

Concluding his speech, the Primate of the Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia expressed confidence in the further development of bilateral relations. According to him, fraternal cooperation will be strengthened in the spirit of mutual respect, which is especially important in today’s world, which «is in dire need of the Word of Christ,» which brings truth and mutual understanding between people.