The enthronement of the newly elected Patriarch, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi and Metropolitan of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia, Shio III, took place in the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.

During the solemn liturgy in the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the new Patriarch was presented with the symbols of governance.

The enthronement of the newly elected Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi and Metropolitan of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia, Shio III, began with a solemn liturgy, which was performed by members of the Holy Synod and other clergy.

The festive service began at 10:00 in the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.

Members of the government and the Cabinet of Ministers, as well as the founder of the Georgian Dream, Bidzina Ivanishvili, are present in the 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.