The newly elected Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Shio III, arrived at the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. A few minutes ago, a festive service began in the cathedral.

The enthronement of the newly elected Patriarch will take place at the festive service.

During the solemn liturgy, the new Patriarch will be presented with the symbols of governance.

The enthronement of Shio III is being attended by members of the government. Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the Georgian Dream, is also present at the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.

For information, the Church of Georgia elected a new Catholicos-Patriarch yesterday at an expanded church council held at the Trinity Cathedral.

Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) of Senaki and Chkhorotsku became the 142nd Catholicos-Patriarch of the country. His Holiness Shio received 22 votes. As for the other candidates for the patriarchate, Metropolitan Iobi of the Diocese of Urbnisi and Ruisi received 9 votes, and Metropolitan Grigol of Poti and Khobi received 7 votes. One vote was canceled.

The Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, died on March 17, 2026 at the age of 93.