Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and all Ukraine congratulated Metropolitan Shio Mujiri following his election as the new head of the Georgian Orthodox Church.
In a message posted on social media, Metropolitan Epifaniy stated that Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Chkhorotsqu had been elected Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia “by God’s blessing and by decision of the Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church.”
The Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine warmly congratulated the newly elected Patriarch on assuming what he described as a “high and responsible calling” to lead the Georgian faithful.
“I sincerely congratulate the newly elected Primate of the sister Georgian Orthodox Church on accepting the lofty and responsible vocation of carrying out the First Hierarch’s ministry for the salvation of the Georgian people and the fullness of the entrusted Church,” Metropolitan Epifaniy wrote.
He also paid tribute to the late Ilia II, under whose long ministry the Georgian Church experienced decades of spiritual leadership and stability.
“The life and work of Patriarch Ilia II became an example of faithfulness to Christ, devoted service to the Church, and spiritual care for his people,” he noted, adding that the late Patriarch’s contribution to preserving the Orthodox faith, Church traditions, and the dignity and freedom of peoples “will forever remain in the history of Orthodoxy.”
Metropolitan Epifaniy concluded his message by wishing Patriarch-elect Shio “many blessed years of ministry, wisdom, spiritual strength, and God’s help” in guiding the Georgian Church and people.
“May the Lord bless this new stage in the life of the Georgian Orthodox Church and guide it on the path of truth, love, and peace,” he added.
