Metropolitan Shio III becomes Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia following Ilia II’s death, marking a historic transition in the Church.
Newsroom (13/05/2026 Gaudium Press ) The Georgian Orthodox Church has elected Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Chkhorotsku as the new Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, marking a significant moment in the life of the Church less than two months after the death of Patriarch Ilia II on March 17. The decision was made on Monday, May 11, during a Synod meeting held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi, the nation’s capital.
Born in Tbilisi 57 years ago as Elizbar Teimuraz Mujiri, the newly elected patriarch had been serving as locum tenens of the patriarchal seat following Ilia II’s passing. Upon his election, he took the name Shio III and assumed the additional titles of Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi and Metropolitan of Abkhazia and Bichvinta.
The Synod gathering drew 1,200 delegates from across Georgia, reflecting broad ecclesiastical representation for the pivotal election. The enthronement ceremony took place the following morning, Tuesday, at the historic Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, underscoring the continuity of tradition within one of the world’s oldest Christian communities.
International Christian leaders responded promptly to the election. Cardinal Kurt Koch, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, extended his congratulations in a formal message. He acknowledged the “ancient and luminous spiritual heritage of the Georgian Church,” shaped by generations of saints and faithful witness. Cardinal Koch expressed hope that the new patriarch’s ministry would strengthen bonds of friendship and foster deeper dialogue between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.
In his message, the cardinal further emphasized the importance of unity among Christians, noting his confidence that Shio III’s service would reinforce “the bonds of charity and unity which, by the gift of the Spirit, truly unite all believers in Jesus Christ.” He concluded with a reference to the Gospel commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you.”
Cardinal Koch had recently traveled to Tbilisi as part of a delegation from the Holy See to attend the funeral of Ilia II on March 22. The liturgy was presided over by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, highlighting the global significance of the Georgian Church and its leadership transition.
The new patriarch brings a diverse background to his role. Mujiri pursued both artistic and theological education, earning a diploma in cello performance from the State Conservatory. He entered monastic life in 1993, receiving the name Shio upon his tonsure. He was ordained a deacon and later a priest in 1996, before completing theological studies in Moscow.
His ecclesiastical career progressed steadily, including service as an abbot in Tbilisi and subsequent elevation to bishop, archbishop, and eventually metropolitan in 2010. His longstanding leadership experience within the Church positioned him as a prominent figure even prior to his election.
Shortly before assuming office, Shio III articulated a clear vision for the Church’s future. He affirmed that the Georgian Orthodox Church has historically served as a unifying force for the nation, safeguarding the true faith, the Georgian language, cultural traditions, and historical memory. He expressed his intention to continue along this path with divine assistance.
Following Ilia II’s death, Pope Leo XIV had sent a message on March 18 to Shio in his capacity as locum tenens, offering prayers for guidance and strength. The Pope expressed hope that he would be granted “light, discernment, and strength” to lead the Church with the same pastoral charity that marked the late patriarch’s ministry.
Shio III’s election thus represents both continuity and renewal within the Georgian Orthodox Church, as it enters a new chapter shaped by its traditions, leadership, and enduring spiritual legacy.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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