Serbian Patriarch Porfirije sent a congratulatory message to Shio III following his election as the new head of the Georgian Orthodox Church.
In his message addressed to the newly elected Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, the Primate of the Serbian Orthodox Church expressed joy over the election of the new Georgian Patriarch and emphasized the spiritual significance of the event for the Orthodox world.
“As participants in history, enlightened by the unfading light of the Risen Christ, and experiencing the mystery of God’s love in the echo of the most beautiful exclamation under the sun, we rejoice that today a voice has resounded which has gladdened the Church of Saint Sava and the entire Christian world — that the sister Church of Georgia, in your God-loving person, has gained her archpastor and primate,” Patriarch Porfirije wrote.
The Serbian Patriarch stated that he firmly believes Patriarch Shio’s election to the “sacred and ancient Throne of the Georgian Patriarchs” is “an expression of God’s goodwill,” through which the Georgian people “have received a virtuous father, a good shepherd, and a tireless teacher.”
Patriarch Porfirije also expressed confidence that the new Georgian Patriarch would prove himself “a worthy successor of the late Patriarch Ilia and all the other spiritual giants who, throughout centuries of storms and trials, wisely steered the ship of the Georgian Patriarchate.”
Concluding his message, Patriarch Porfirije, together with the hierarchs, clergy, and faithful of the Church of Saint Sava, extended heartfelt congratulations and prayerful wishes to Patriarch Shio.
“We prayerfully wish that your forthcoming patriarchal ministry may be for the glory of God and for the benefit and edification both of your local Church and of the fullness of the Church of Christ,” he wrote.
