The European Union extends its warmest congratulations on the election of His Holiness and Beatitude Shio III as Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, the EU Delegation to Georgia says in a statement.

“The Georgian Orthodox Church has played a key role throughout Georgia’s history to preserve national and cultural identity.

At a moment when the world is in great need of moral clarity, reconciliation and hope, we trust that Your Holiness’ spiritual guidance and wisdom will be a source of inspiration for all those who seek unity in times of uncertainty and division”, reads the statement.

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.