The newly elected Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Shio III delivered his first address at Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi.

“It is hard for me at this moment to convey to you my spiritual state and the first feelings accompanying this choice, which has bestowed upon me both a great honor and a heavy cross.

I thank the hierarchs of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church for the tremendous trust they have shown in me. I also thank every person who worked to ensure today’s proceedings were conducted with dignity, as well as all delegates and guests attending the assembly. Special thanks go to the Georgian people for their love, prayers, and support. It is a great grace and mercy from God, and at the same time, the cross and responsibility of shepherding the Church is heavy. It is impossible to fully comprehend the providence and intentions of the Lord”, - said the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia.

Shio III was elected with 22 votes from the bishops.