According to the head of the Patriarchate's public relations service, Andria Jagmaidze, the newly elected Patriarch, Shio III, may raise the issue of releasing the detained citizens.

As he told journalists, they will discuss this issue with the authorities.

"I said earlier that we will raise the issue again and talk about it with the authorities. I confirm that yes, it will be so. Now it is very difficult to talk about plans, when and what will happen," - said Andria Jagmaidze.

According to him, "Today is a historic day"

"The enthronement of the new Catholicos Patriarch of All Georgia will take place today. It is very significant that it coincides with the day of commemoration of Andrew the First-Called. The founding of our church is associated with the Apostle Andrew. So, today there are many joyful things that complement each other," - said Dean Andria Jagmaidze.

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.