Election of a New Leader for the Georgian Orthodox Church
The Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church has selected a new leader. Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) of Senaki and Chkhorotsku has been named Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. This decision came during a Holy Synod meeting in Tbilisi. Metropolitan Shio had served as locum tenens (acting head) of the church in recent years. A majority of hierarchs backed his candidacy, reflecting strong confidence in the new church leader. This transition marks the first change in leadership in nearly half a century, following the death of former Patriarch Ilia II in March 2025.
Metropolitan Shio, born Elizbar Mujiri in Tbilisi in 1969, was personally appointed as locum tenens by Ilia II in 2017, highlighting his long-standing service to the church. The enthronement ceremony for the new Patriarch is scheduled for May 12 at the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta.
Congratulatory Messages and Diplomatic Context
The head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Metropolitan Epiphanius, sent congratulations to the newly elected Patriarch, stating:
“I heartily congratulate the newly elected leader of the sister Georgian Orthodox Church on accepting the high and responsible calling to perform the Primatial ministry for guiding the Georgian people and the fullness of the entrusted Church to salvation.”
This election occurs amid ongoing relations between Ukraine and Georgia. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized the desire to return bilateral relations to a proper diplomatic course, noting that “our people, our societies deserve this.” Despite this, sensitive issues remain between Kyiv and Tbilisi, including:
- Ukraine’s accusations that Georgian authorities facilitate the circumvention of sanctions against Russia,
- criticism of statements by Irakli Kobakhidze, which are seen as echoing Kremlin rhetoric.
A further point of tension involves the case of former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, a Ukrainian citizen currently in detention. These circumstances create a complex backdrop for a new chapter in the Georgian Orthodox Church’s history and its relationship with Ukraine.
The election of Metropolitan Shio as Georgia’s new Patriarch is a significant event not only for the church internally but also for Georgia’s international relations, particularly with Ukraine. The choice of a new church leader could open fresh avenues for dialogue between the countries, especially given current strained ties. Observers note that successful cooperation between Ukraine and Georgia could bolster regional stability, while unresolved issues may lead to further complications in bilateral relations.