The Georgian Patriarch thanked the head of the Phanar for his "support during difficult times"

Catholicos-Patriarch Shio of All Georgia sent an official congratulatory message to Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of his accession to the patriarchal throne. According to the Orthodoxia News Agency, a delegation from the Georgian Orthodox Church visited the Phanar to personally deliver the message and honor this significant anniversary.

In his letter, Patriarch Shio noted that Patriarch Bartholomew’s journey began thirty-five years ago, when he took up the “heavy cross of pastoral ministry” on the ancient throne of Constantinople. The Primate of the Georgian Church emphasized that the head of the Phanar’s ministry is taking place in an era fraught with serious challenges and historic trials.

The message paid special attention to the long-standing support that Constantinople has provided to Georgia. “At critical moments for our people, we have always felt your sincere support,” — noted Patriarch Shio, recalling the words of comfort spoken by Patriarch Bartholomew during the 2008 military conflict: “Your cross today becomes our cross as well.”

Patriarch Shio also expressed deep gratitude for the Patriarch of Constantinople’s personal participation in the mourning of the Georgian people following the passing of the late Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II. In closing his letter, the Georgian hierarch thanked Patriarch Bartholomew for the spiritual support he has personally provided him since the very first days of his tenure as Primate, as well as for his congratulations to Georgia on the occasion of the 1,700thanniversary of the proclamation of Christianity as the country’s state religion.