The Georgian Patriarch Discussed the Upcoming Visit to the Phanar with the Hierarch of Constantinople

On August 16, 2026, a significant meeting took place in Tbilisi between Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III of All Georgia and a representative of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon. The parties discussed strengthening fraternal ties between the two Churches and the possibility of an upcoming visit by the Georgian primate to the Phanar. This was reported by Orthodox Times.

During the meeting, which took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere, Metropolitan Emmanuel conveyed greetings from Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople and congratulated Patriarch Shio III on his election to the throne. The clergy recalled Patriarch Bartholomew’s visit to Georgia for the funeral of the late Catholicos-Patriarch Shio II, noting the particular importance of the support expressed by Constantinople during a difficult period for the Georgian people.

Metropolitan Emmanuel emphasized that the election of the new Patriarch is viewed positively by the Patriarchate of Constantinople and lays the foundation for the continuation of the centuries-old relations between the Churches. A key outcome of the talks was an agreement on a future visit by Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III to the Phanar, where, according to the metropolitan, he is “eagerly awaited.”

At the conclusion of the meeting, Patriarch Shiou III presented commemorative gifts to Metropolitan Emmanuel and also delivered a gift intended personally for Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

As a reminder, we previously reported that the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church had officially invited Patriarch Bartholomew to visit Bulgaria in October of this year.