Thursday, May 21, 2026

Georgia’s new patriarch takes throne at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

TBILISI, May 12 – Georgia’s new Orthodox patriarch, Shio III, was enthroned Tuesday at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta, opening a new chapter for one of the country’s most powerful institutions. The festive service began at 10:00. During the liturgy, the new patriarch received the symbols of church authority: the patriarchal mitre, head covering, cross-panagia and … Read more

Georgia’s Orthodox Church elects Shio III as new patriarch

TBILISI, May 11 – Georgia’s Orthodox Church has elected Metropolitan Shio Mujiri as its new leader, making him the country’s 142nd Catholicos-Patriarch after the death of longtime church head Ilia II. The vote was held Monday at an expanded church council at Sameba Cathedral in Tbilisi. Shio, who had served as locum tenens of the … Read more

Georgia’s patriarch race down to three candidates

TBILISI, April 29 – Georgia’s Orthodox Church has narrowed the race for its next patriarch to three candidates, opening the final stage in the selection of a successor to Ilia II. The Holy Synod met on Tuesday, April 28, at the Patriarchate residence in Tbilisi and selected three candidates for the expanded church meeting that … Read more