On March 23, 2026, the Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne, Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Chkhorotsku, received at the Patriarchal Residence delegations from various Orthodox Churches, who visited Georgia following the repose of the Patriarch of Georgia, Ilia II.
The meetings were held in a spirit of brotherly love and ecclesiastical unity, with the visiting delegations expressing their condolences and support to the Georgian Orthodox Church.
Meeting with delegations of the Patriarchates of Alexandria and Jerusalem, and the Churches of Cyprus and Ukraine
Metropolitan Shio received delegations from the Patriarchates of Alexandria and Jerusalem, as well as from the Churches of Cyprus and Ukraine.
Hierarchs of the Georgian Orthodox Church were also present, including Metropolitan Theodore of Akhaltsikhe and Tao-Klarjeti, Metropolitan David of Alaverdi, Metropolitan Saba of Khoni and Samtredia, Metropolitan Gerasime of Zugdidi and Tsaishi, Metropolitan Andrew of Gori and Ateni, Metropolitan Stephen of Chkondidi, along with clergy and officials of the Patriarchate.
The delegations expressed their condolences on the repose of Patriarch Ilia II and shared personal memories of his life and ministry. Metropolitan Shio thanked them for their fraternal support. At the conclusion of the meeting, symbolic gifts were exchanged.
Meeting with the delegation of the Romanian Orthodox Church
On the same day, Metropolitan Shio received a delegation of the Romanian Orthodox Church, led by Archbishop Ioan of Timișoara and Metropolitan of Banat, accompanied by Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești and Archdeacon Nicolae.
The delegation conveyed condolences for the repose of Patriarch Ilia II. During the meeting, reference was made to the large number of faithful who attended the Patriarch’s funeral. Particular mention was also made of the legacy of Saint Anthimos the Iberian, which further strengthens the bonds between the two Churches.
Metropolitan Shio expressed gratitude for their support, and at the end of the meeting, symbolic gifts were exchanged.
Meeting with the Archbishop of Albania
Metropolitan Shio also received Archbishop Ioannis of Albania, accompanied by Protopresbyter Fr. Spyridon.
The Archbishop once again expressed condolences on the repose of Patriarch Ilia II. During the discussion, special reference was made to the late Archbishop Anastasios of Albania, highlighting his significant contribution to the revival and building up of the Church.
The meeting took place in a warm and cordial atmosphere, and symbolic gifts were exchanged.
Meeting with the delegation of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church
Finally, Metropolitan Shio received a delegation of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, led by Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria.
The delegation included Metropolitan Gabriel of Lovech, Fr. Ventsislav Pavlov, Alexander Smotchevski, and Dimitar Goranov.
The visitors expressed their condolences on the repose of Patriarch Ilia II, while the meeting was held in a fraternal and warm atmosphere. At its conclusion, Metropolitan Shio presented the guests with icons and crosses as blessings and tokens of remembrance.
