By Iya Barateli, journalist, publicist, analyst
The Georgian Orthodox Church has appointed a new patriarch following the passing of Ilia II in March. Shio III, the vicar of the late patriarch, assumes the role without intending to shift the Church’s stance on foreign policy, such as the recognition of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine’s autocephaly or the conflict between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Ecumenical Patriarch. Domestically, he has an opportunity to bolster his standing by securing an amnesty for political prisoners from the government, a move anticipated by opposition Georgian media.
Successor to the Apostolic See
The Georgian Orthodox Church celebrated the enthronement of its 142nd Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III with traditional shouts of “Axios!” in the ancient Svetitskhoveli Church. This marked the beginning of his leadership after being named vicar by Ilia II in 2017, an appointment seen as a method to prevent internal church conflicts upon Ilia II’s passing.
The election process for the new head involved selecting three candidates before a final vote by the Holy Synod with delegates from across Georgia. Shio’s victory was noted to be modest, earning just enough votes. His swift enthronement was reportedly aimed at avoiding a visit from the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, during a time of tension with the Russian Orthodox Church.
The ascension coincided with St. Apostle Andrew’s day, a significant date marking the apostle’s role in bringing Christianity to Georgia, celebrated as a national holiday.
Cellist and Internet user
The new patriarch, standing 190 centimeters tall, strikes a contrast with the frail Ilia II. At 57, Elizbar Mudzhiri, now Shio III, is considered youthful for a lifelong head of the Church. He is notably the first Georgian Catholicos from Tbilisi and a fluent English speaker, utilizing the Internet actively, earning him the title “patriarch of the third millennium.”
His father was an archaeologist and his mother a doctor of philology. After studying music, Elizbar chose monastic life over a career, taking monastic vows at 24 at the Shio-Mgwime Monastery, a site named after the revered Shio Mgvimski.
Priest of the Church of St. George in Gruzini
Shio completed his theological education at Moscow’s St. Tikhonovsky Humanitarian University, later leading the parish in Australia and New Zealand before becoming a metropolitan in 2011 and Ilia II’s vicar in 2017.
Rumors suggest Moscow’s influence on his appointment, a claim the Georgian Patriarchate denies. Meanwhile, just before Shio’s election, Russian intelligence accused the Ecumenical Patriarch of meddling in the process, sparking tensions with the Russian Orthodox Church.
Despite the Church’s reluctance to engage openly in conflicts, like the Pan-Orthodox Council of Crete, Shio is expected to continue a strategic waiting policy, balancing relations with both Moscow and Constantinople.
Chance for trust
Shio III has refrained from political discourse but supports traditional family values and restraining LGBT rights. Unlike other candidates, he did not publicize a vision for his role, adding to media curiosity, especially from opposition sources.
There’s optimism that Shio may pursue a more independent course, using his predecessor’s established authority to gain societal trust, possibly by advocating for the release of political prisoners involved in pro-European protests.
The Georgian Patriarchate’s Public Relations head confirmed Shio’s intent to address the release of these detainees, a move believed to foster societal reconciliation. The government has yet to respond to the Patriarchate’s past requests but may heed the new patriarch’s appeals to enhance his authority.
Source: Novaya Gazeta Evropa, 13.05.2026
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