“In accordance with God’s blessing and the decision of the Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church, the new Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia has been elected – Metropolitan of Senaki and Chkhorotsku, Shio (Mujiri). I warmly congratulate the newly elected primate of our brotherly Georgian Orthodox Church on receiving this high and responsible calling,” the statement reads, issued by Metropolitan Epifaniy.

The Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine emphasizes that the newly elected Patriarch assumes this ministry after the long service of his predecessor, the blessed memory Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, whose life and work became an example of devotion to Christ, dedicated service to the Church, and spiritual care for his people.

“I wish the newly elected Patriarch many blessed years of service, wisdom, spiritual strength, and God’s help so that he may be the spiritual leader of the Georgian people. May the Lord bless this new stage in the life of the Georgian Orthodox Church and guide it on the path of truth, love, and peace,” the statement says.

The Georgian Church has elected a new Catholicos-Patriarch. The country’s 142nd Patriarch became the locum tenens of the Patriarchal Throne and Metropolitan of Senaki and Chkhorotsku, Shio Mujiri, who received 22 votes.

As for the other candidates, Metropolitan Iobi received 9 votes, while Metropolitan Grigol received 7 votes. One ballot was annulled.

The Catholicos-Patriarch was elected at the Expanded Church Council, and according to its explanation, the newly elected Patriarch has been given the name Shio III.