Shio III Elected and Enthroned as New Patriarch of Georgian Orthodox Church
Metropolitan Shio Mujiri was elected as the 142nd Catholicos-Patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church on May 11, 2026, succeeding the late Ilia II. Securing 22 of 39 Holy Synod votes in Tbilisi, he was enthroned as Shio III at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta the following day. The transition ends a nearly 50-year era, marking a significant generational shift amidst political scrutiny. While receiving congratulations from state leaders and Russian Patriarch Kirill, critics allege closeness to the ruling Georgian Dream party, highlighting the Church's influential role in Georgia’s socio-political landscape.
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Shio III Enthroned as 142nd Patriarch of Georgian Orthodox Church
Shio III was officially enthroned as the 142nd Patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church at the historic Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta on May 12, 2026. The 57-year-old cleric, formerly known as Shio Mujiri, was elected the previous day by an expanded church council in Tbilisi, securing 22 votes against two rivals. He succeeds the late Ilia II, who served for 48 years until his death in March 2026. Prior to his election, Shio III served as locum tenens, appointed by Ilia II in 2017 to prepare the Church for succession. His full title is Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi, and Metropolitan of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia. The enthronement drew congratulations from international religious leaders, including Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and Metropolitan Epiphanius I of Kyiv, despite ongoing tensions regarding church autocephaly. Domestic political figures, including billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili and the opposition United National Movement, also extended greetings, emphasizing the need for spiritual unity and peace in Georgia. Critics have noted Shio III's perceived closeness to the ruling Georgian Dream party, highlighting the intersection of religious authority and national politics.
OC MediaShio III Enthroned as Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia
Shio III has officially ascended to the throne as the new Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia during a solemn enthronement ceremony held at the historic Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta. The event, which took place on Tuesday morning, was attended by high-ranking hierarchs of the Georgian Orthodox Church, members of the Holy Synod, and numerous priests. Significant political figures, including Georgian President Mikhail Kavelashvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, and Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, were also present to witness the historic occasion. Parishioners gathered in the cathedral yard watched the proceedings on large screens. Shio III, aged 57, was elected following a meeting of the Holy Synod in Tbilisi on Monday, where he secured 22 out of 39 votes. He had previously served as the temporary patriarch following the death of his predecessor, Patriarch Ilia II, on March 17. This enthronement marks the formal beginning of his leadership over the Georgian Orthodox Church, solidifying his role after the transitional period.
TASSShio III Enthroned as New Patriarch of Georgian Orthodox Church
Shio III was officially enthroned as the new Patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church on May 12 during a solemn ceremony at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta, Georgia's ancient capital. The event took place just one day after his election by the Holy Synod, succeeding the late Patriarch Ilia II, who passed away in March at the age of 93. Metropolitan Shio Mujiri had served as the locum tenens during the transitional period before being elected by 22 of the 39 Holy Synod members. The enthronement coincided with St. Andrew the First-Called Day, a significant public holiday marking the arrival of Christianity in Georgia. The ceremony, the first of its kind in nearly fifty years, followed traditional rites where Shio III was vested in patriarchal robes and presented with the mitre. High-profile attendees included senior clergy, faithful believers, and top officials from the ruling Georgian Dream party, such as President Mikheil Kavelashvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, and party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili. This transition marks a pivotal moment for the church, reinforcing its deep historical and cultural ties within the nation while drawing significant political attention from the country's leadership.
Civil GeorgiaGeorgian Orthodox Church Elects Metropolitan Shio as New Catholicos-Patriarch
The Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church has elected Metropolitan Shio (Mujirishvili) as the new Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. The decision was reached during an expanded session on May 11, 2026, where he secured a majority of votes. Metropolitan Shio, aged 57, had previously served as the locum tenens of the patriarchal throne since 2017 and acted as the interim head of the Church following the death of his predecessor, Ilia II, in March 2026. Upon his formal installation scheduled for May 12, he is expected to adopt the regnal name Shio III. Born in Tbilisi in 1969, Shio initially studied music before committing to monastic life in 1993. His ecclesiastical career includes serving as a rector in Moscow and pursuing theological studies in Russia before returning to Georgia, where he was consecrated as a bishop in 2003 and elevated to metropolitan in 2010. This election marks the end of a significant transitional period for the Church after the nearly five-decade leadership of Ilia II, who passed away at the age of 93.
Meduza.ioPatriarch Kirill Congratulates New Patriarch of Georgia on Election
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia has officially extended his heartfelt congratulations to Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Chkhorotsku following his election as the 142nd Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. The election was conducted by an expanded church assembly after Metropolitan Shio served as locum tenens subsequent to the passing of the late Patriarch Ilia II. In his congratulatory message, published on the Moscow Patriarchate’s website, Patriarch Kirill emphasized the enduring historical and spiritual bonds between the Russian and Georgian Orthodox Churches. He described the relationship as sisterly, noting the deep spiritual kinship shared by their peoples and their common witness to the Gospel. Kirill expressed hope that the new patriarch would continue the traditions of fraternal communication established by his predecessors, particularly honoring the legacy of Patriarch Ilia II. The message concluded with prayers for the new leader's health, divine guidance, and a peaceful patriarchate. This diplomatic religious exchange highlights the continued interaction between the two churches despite broader geopolitical tensions in the region.
TASSGeorgian PM Congratulates New Patriarch Shio III on Election
Georgian Prime Minister Irakly Kobakhidze has officially congratulated Bishop Shio on his election as the new Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, expressing hope that his leadership will contribute to the nation's united and strong future. The election took place during an expanded meeting of the Georgian Orthodox Church at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi. Out of 39 Synod members present, 57-year-old Bishop Shio, who previously served as locum tenens following the death of Patriarch Ilia II on March 17, secured 22 votes to assume the role. In his congratulatory letter, Prime Minister Kobakhidze emphasized the Church's historical role as an unshakable pillar of Georgian statehood and spiritual strength. He stated that the Orthodox faith has preserved eternal values essential to the country's identity and expressed confidence that Shio III would continue the legacy of his predecessor. The Prime Minister concluded by wishing divine protection for both the country and its new spiritual leader, highlighting the significant intersection of religious authority and national unity in Georgia.
TASSShio III Elected New Patriarch of Georgian Orthodox Church
Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri), now known as Shio III, has been elected as the new Patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church, becoming its 142nd primate. The election took place on May 11 at Tbilisi’s Holy Trinity Cathedral during an extended church assembly. Shio secured 22 out of 39 votes from the Holy Synod, defeating contenders Metropolitan Iobi and Metropolitan Grigoli, who received nine and seven votes respectively. His enthronement ceremony was scheduled for May 12 at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta. The announcement triggered a wave of congratulations from local and international political and religious leaders. Key Georgian figures, including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, President Mikheil Kavelashvili, and opposition parties like Lelo – Strong Georgia, praised the new Patriarch. They emphasized the critical role of the Church in maintaining national unity, spiritual strength, and peace, while honoring the legacy of the late Patriarch Ilia II. The event coincides with the 1,700th anniversary of Christianity becoming the state religion in Georgia, highlighting its significant historical and cultural importance for the nation.
Civil GeorgiaGeorgia Elects Shio III as New Patriarch of Orthodox Church
Orthodox Christian bishops in Georgia have elected Shio III as the new patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church, marking a significant moment for the South Caucasus nation where the Church holds substantial social and political influence. Born Elizbar Mujiri, the 57-year-old former cellist was chosen by 22 out of 39 senior bishops in the Holy Synod. He succeeds Ilia II, who led the Church for 49 years until his death in March at age 93. Shio III, who served as locum tenens, emphasized the Church's role as a unifier and defender of Georgian traditions. His enthronement is scheduled in Mtskheta, the ancient capital. The election occurs amidst political tension, with ongoing protests against the ruling Georgian Dream party over its perceived shift toward Russia and away from Western integration. Critics note that under Ilia II, the Church grew closer to the Russian Orthodox Church, a sensitive issue given Georgia's history with Moscow. While the Church has largely stayed out of recent political turmoil, it remains a powerful force shaping public opinion on social issues like LGBT rights and abortion in a country where 89% of the population identifies as Orthodox Christian.
The Straits Times World NewsBishop Shio Elected as New Patriarch of Georgia with 22 Votes
The extended church assembly of the autocephalous Apostolic Orthodox Church of All Georgia has elected Bishop Shio as the 142nd Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. The voting results, announced by Bishop Anania in Tbilisi on May 11, 2026, revealed that Shio secured 22 out of 39 votes. Previously serving as the locum tenens following the death of the former head of the church, Ilia II, Shio will assume the title Shio III. The newly elected Patriarch confirmed that his enthronement ceremony is scheduled for May 12 at the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta, near Tbilisi. The service is set to begin at 10:00 a.m. local time (6:00 a.m. GMT). This election marks a significant transition in the leadership of the Georgian Orthodox Church, ensuring continuity after the passing of the long-serving Patriarch Ilia II. The event underscores the internal procedural mechanisms of the church in selecting its spiritual leader through a formal voting process among the clergy assembly.
TASSShio Mujiri Elected New Patriarch of Georgia
Metropolitan Shio Mujiri has been elected as the new Patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church, succeeding Ilia II, who led the institution for over 48 years until his death in March 2026. The election took place at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi, where Mujiri secured 39 votes from the bishops of the Holy Synod, defeating Metropolitans Iob Akiashvili and Griogol Berbichashvili. Mujiri, a 57-year-old senior bishop with theological education in Georgia and Russia, was previously designated as Locum Tenens by Ilia II in 2017. His candidacy was viewed by critics as favored by the ruling Georgian Dream party, sparking significant public debate and media coverage. While supporters portrayed him as the inevitable successor, opponents accused him of building parallel power structures within the Church and aligning it too closely with the state. The election process involved an expanded assembly including clergy and laypeople, though voting rights were reserved exclusively for hierarchs. This transition marks a pivotal moment for the Georgian Church, ending an era defined by Ilia II’s long-standing leadership and raising questions about the future direction of the institution amidst political and social scrutiny.
OC MediaMetropolitan Shio Mujiri Elected New Patriarch of Georgian Orthodox Church
Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) has been elected as the new Catholicos-Patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church, succeeding the late Ilia II, who led the institution for nearly five decades. The election took place on May 11 at Tbilisi’s Holy Trinity Cathedral, where Mujiri secured 22 out of 39 votes from the Holy Synod in the first round, avoiding a runoff. This succession marks a significant generational shift and the first change in leadership in almost fifty years. Mujiri, previously named Locum Tenens in 2017, is perceived by some as a hardliner, though the Holy Synod is expected to exert more collegial influence. The process involved controversy regarding candidate eligibility and allegations of political interference by the ruling Georgian Dream party, alongside interest from Russian intelligence. Mujiri becomes the 142nd primate and the tenth Patriarch since the restoration of autocephaly in 1917. His election closes the era of Ilia II, a highly trusted figure in Georgia, and opens a new chapter for the Church amidst ongoing political scrutiny and internal debates over governance and reform.
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