Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria sent a congratulatory message to Patriarch Shio III of Georgia following his election and enthronement as the new Primate of the Georgian Orthodox Church.
“The announcement of your worthy election and the fact of your enthronement upon the archiepiscopal and patriarchal Throne of the Holy Church of Georgia filled our heart with joy and gladness,” Patriarch Theodore II wrote.
The Alexandrian Primate prayed that God would grant Patriarch Shio III “unwavering health, spiritual strength, heavenly discernment, and abundant divine illumination” in fulfilling his “high and greatly responsible ministry.”
Patriarch Theodore II also expressed confidence that the new Georgian Patriarch would prove “a worthy successor to the venerable and ancient tradition of the Church of Georgia,” shepherding the faithful “with paternal care, prudence, and selfless love.”
He further emphasized the close brotherly ties between the Patriarchates of Alexandria and Georgia, expressing hope that their cooperation would continue to strengthen the common Orthodox witness throughout the world.
