Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria sent a congratulatory message to Patriarch Shio III of Georgia following his election as the new Primate of the Georgian Orthodox Church.
In his message, Patriarch Daniel expressed “brotherly love in Christ and deep respect” toward the newly elected Georgian Patriarch and the entire Georgian Patriarchate.
“We greet you on behalf of the Holy Bulgarian Orthodox Church – Bulgarian Patriarchate, as the new God-elected Primate of the ancient and highly respected Georgian Patriarchate and spiritual leader of brotherly Orthodox Georgia,” Patriarch Daniel wrote.
The Bulgarian Patriarch offered prayers for Patriarch Shio III and the Georgian people, wishing him “good health and grace-filled strength for a long-lasting and fruitful patriarchal ministry.”
Referring to the late Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia, Patriarch Daniel noted that he had “raised exceedingly high the standards of archpastoral ministry in the Church of Christ,” while expressing confidence that Patriarch Shio III would continue his predecessor’s work “with diligence and zeal.”
Patriarch Daniel also emphasized the historic ties between the Bulgarian and Georgian Orthodox Churches.
“We testify to the love and respect of the Holy Bulgarian Patriarchate toward the Orthodox Church of brotherly Georgia, which is the fruit of the traditionally good centuries-old relations of cooperation and prayerful support between our Orthodox Churches and peoples,” he stated.
Speaking about the challenges facing the modern world, the Bulgarian Patriarch said: “The times in which we live are complex and decisive, but we believe that with God’s gracious help, in blessed unity and unanimity in the faith, we will overcome all old and new difficulties and trials.”
Concluding his message, Patriarch Daniel prayed that Christ would strengthen Patriarch Shio III “with His grace and mercy” through the intercessions of the Mother of God, Saint Andrew the First-Called, Saint Nina Equal-to-the-Apostles, and all the saints.
Source: Patriarchate of Bulgaria
