In Tbilisi, the Church and state leadership thanked the representatives of the Local Orthodox Churches

Solemn events and official receptions were held in the capital of Georgia with the participation of delegations from the Local Orthodox Churches who arrived in Tbilisi to participate in the cathedral service and congratulate the new Primate of the Georgian Orthodox Church on the occasion of his election and enthronement. Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Shio III and President of Georgia Mikhail Kavelashvili expressed their deep gratitude to the guests for their support and loyalty to Orthodox traditions.

According to Orthodoxia News Agency, Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III received the high-ranking guests at the Patriarchal Residence on the morning of May 18. Initially, a meeting was held with His Beatitude Rostislav, Archbishop of Prešov, Metropolitan of the Czech Lands and Slovakia, after which the Primate welcomed representatives of the Orthodox Churches of Alexandria, Russia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Hellas, Poland, Albania and Ukraine.

During the fraternal communion, Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III expressed gratitude for the manifestation of love in Christ and asked to convey his prayerful wishes to the Princes of the sister Churches. He especially emphasized the importance of the «strong ties» that bind the Georgian Church to the fullness of world Orthodoxy. At the end of the meeting the hierarchs were presented with memorable gifts as a sign of blessing.

The further program of the visit continued at the Presidential Palace, where the delegations were received by the President of Georgia Mikhail Kavelashvili. The Head of State noted that in today’s changing world, the role of Orthodox Churches in protecting peace, humanity, and traditional values is becoming more and more important. The President thanked the representatives of the Churches for their sincere condolences on the death of Patriarch Ilia II, noting the importance of spiritual continuity for stability in the country.

Recall that on May 16, 2026, an official delegation of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church arrived in Georgia at the invitation of the Georgian Patriarchate for an official visit. The trip is aimed at strengthening inter-church ties and participating in joint prayer events.