Religious studies expert Nugzar Bardavelidze stated that Patriarch Shio III has said he will continue the path of Ilia II, though he also expects gradual changes and reforms within the Church.

Speaking on the TV program “Resume” on PalitraNews, Bardavelidze said that criticism directed at Shio - including claims regarding his arrival by car at Sioni Cathedral and his education in Russia - is “far-fetched.”

“Metropolitan Shio served as locum tenens for nine years. Ilia II led the Church, while the locum tenens handled organizational matters. Starting tomorrow, after the enthronement, he will begin his independent ministry.

During these forty days, people criticized him for not preaching actively and not appearing publicly, but he could not have been especially active while standing in the shadow of Ilia II. We have now seen him preaching publicly, attending the April 9 commemoration, and leading a service on Rustaveli Avenue.

I also believe the criticism about arriving at Sioni Cathedral by car is exaggerated. Yes, previous Patriarchs often walked there, but they lived in the same courtyard and only had to walk a few meters. We must understand that the security service often makes such decisions independently. When there are large crowds, security concerns increase, and they try to minimize possible incidents.

Didn’t previous Patriarchs also enter other church courtyards by car? No one complained then.

As for education, many people studied in Russia, including Ilia II himself, who studied in Moscow. I don’t think that diminished him in any way,” Bardavelidze said.

Asked whether he expects changes within the Church, Bardavelidze said reforms would not happen suddenly but gradually, because the need for change has already matured.

“Yes, I expect changes. They will not happen all at once, but gradually it is clear that they will come. Patriarch Shio himself said he will continue the path of Ilia II. He will continue it, but every individual naturally brings something new into their ministry.

I am not saying this will start tomorrow, but over time we will witness it. In general, reforms should not be implemented abruptly, because even good reforms can provoke backlash. The changes will happen gradually because, in many ways, they are already overdue,” Bardavelidze stated.