Archbishop Ioannis of Albania sent a heartfelt congratulatory message to Shio III following his election as the new head of the Georgian Orthodox Church.
In his message, the Primate of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania expressed joy over the election of the new Catholicos-Patriarch and emphasized the spiritual significance of his new ministry.
“Upon Your worthy election as 142nd Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, ascending to the most holy Throne of the historic Apostolic Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Georgia, glorifying the Triune God, we rejoice, with all our heart joining in the acclamation: ‘Axios!’” Archbishop Ioannis wrote.
He also voiced confidence in Patriarch Shio’s future leadership, stating: “We are convinced that You will guide the beloved people of Georgia unto spiritual progress and fruitfulness, strengthening at the same time the unity of Orthodoxy and its dynamic witness in the contemporary, much-suffering world.”
Archbishop Ioannis paid tribute to the late Ilia II, describing him as “a hierarch of exceptional stature” who shepherded the Georgian Church with “wisdom and unwavering faith” for nearly half a century.
“The succession to the throne of the late blessed Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II … entrusts to Your Beatitude a sacred and weighty inheritance, which we are confident You will continue with corresponding zeal and devotion,” he noted.
The Albanian Primate further underlined the close ties between the Churches of Albania and Georgia, saying that the Albanian Church “joyfully participates in the gladness” of the Georgian faithful on the occasion of Patriarch Shio’s election and forthcoming enthronement.
