Dmitry Olisov, Head of the Russian Interests Section of the Swiss Embassy in Georgia, congratulates Shio III on his enthronement as Patriarch.

Olisov’s statement was posted on social media by the Russian Interests Section of the Swiss Embassy in Georgia.

The statement refers to Shio III as “the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi, Metropolitan of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia.”

“The 1700-year-old Iverian Church, which was blessed by the Most Holy Theotokos, has found a new leader and a worthy successor to the legacy of His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II.

Russia has met with great enthusiasm the news of the election of such an experienced bishop, who is known for his paternal wisdom and uncompromising devotion to the canonical foundations of universal Orthodoxy. I hope that your future patriarchal service will also contribute to the strengthening of traditionally trusting ties between the sister churches of Russia and Georgia,” Olisov wrote.