A delegation from the Moscow Patriarchate visited Georgia and met with Patriarch Shio III

On September 30, 2026, a meeting took place at the Patriarchal Residence in Georgia between Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III of All Georgia and an official delegation from the Moscow Patriarchate. According to the publication Orthodox Times, the delegation was led by Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Department for External Church Relations (DECR) of the Moscow Patriarchate.

During the visit, representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church conveyed to Patriarch Shio III congratulations from Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia on the occasion of his enthronement. The main topics of discussion were bilateral relations, as well as the extremely important issue of the Georgian Orthodox Church’s access to its faithful in conflict-affected regions.

The delegation arrived in Georgia on September 28 with the blessing of Patriarch Kirill. The group included the Patriarch’s advisor, Archpriest Nikolai Balashov; the deputy chairman of the Department for External Church Relations, Archpriest Igor Yakimchuk; and other high-ranking church officials. On the part of the Georgian Church, a number of influential hierarchs took part in the meeting, including Metropolitans Theodore of Akhaltsikhe and Tao-Klarjeti, Metropolitan Gerasim of Zugdidi and Tsais, and Metropolitan Andria of Gori and Aten.

In addition to official talks, the visit’s program included a large-scale pilgrimage component. On September 29, Metropolitan Anthony visited the historic holy sites of Mtskheta—the Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral—as well as the Samtavro Convent. In the Gori Diocese, the delegation toured the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God and the St. George of Svyatogorsk Orthodox Gymnasium. The visit concluded with a tour of Sioni in Ateni—an ancient 7th-century monastery known for its unique 11th-century frescoes.

It should be noted that earlier, Patriarch Shio of Georgia called for reconciliation and unity between the Abkhaz and Georgian peoples, emphasizing the importance of love, forgiveness, and mutual understanding. In his address during the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, he noted that only through acceptance and patience can the consequences of the tragic events of the past be overcome.