The Prime Minister of Georgia congratulates Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri), the Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne, on his election as the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia.

“Today, a historic page has been turned in the life of our nation and Church - the Georgian Apostolic Autocephalous Orthodox Church has a new spiritual leader. I congratulate all of Georgia on the election of the Catholicos-Patriarch!

Your Holiness and Beatitude, Shio III, I extend my deepest respect and congratulations on being chosen for this highly honorable and highly responsible mission. We believe that you will worthily continue the great spiritual legacy that our Holiness and Beatitude, Ilia II, built over decades with exceptional wisdom and love.

The Mother Church has always been an unwavering pillar of Georgia's statehood and the spiritual strength of the nation. It is the Orthodox faith that has preserved the eternal values which have carried our country to the present day. I believe that your shepherdship will serve the peaceful, united and strong future of our homeland.

May God protect our country and its new spiritual father!” - writes Irakli Kobakhidze.