Story perspectives

Shio III Wins 22 Votes, Becomes Patriarch Amid Tension

5/12/2026

Summary

Shio Elected

Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) was elected Catholicos-Patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church on May 11, 2026, receiving 22 of the Holy Synod’s 39 votes.
The election followed Patriarch Ilia II’s death on March 17, 2026, and will see Shio’s enthronement as Shio III on May 12, 2026 at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral at 10:00.
Observers said the vote occurred amid political tension, linking Shio’s candidacy to the ruling Georgian Dream party while the Church stayed silent.

Summary

Shio Unites

The coalition “Strong Georgia
Lelo” praised Shio III as a catalyst for unity, respect and religious freedom.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze called the election historic, saying the Patriarch will steer Georgia toward peace.
President Mikheil Kavelashvili called the selection a spiritually important event tied to Georgian traditions.
All three officials described the Church as an “unshakable pillar” of statehood, citing the Church Council that voted as proof of unity.

Summary

Council Votes

Traffic was halted around Sameba Cathedral from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 11, closing streets.
About 1,200 pre-approved delegates entered the cathedral interior while the courtyard stayed open.
Candidates spoke for five minutes and diocesan representatives for three minutes.
Georgian Public Broadcaster aired the council live but kept the ballot count off-air.
Church rules require a candidate to secure more than 50% of bishops’ votes—at least 20—to be elected outright.

History

Historical Context

In February 1995 Georgian Orthodox clergy reconsecrated the historic Norashen church in Tbilisi, replacing Armenian symbols and later closing it amid protests. The dispute over that building exemplifies the broader post-Soviet property battles that the Georgian Orthodox Church has used to expand its political clout. A 2015-16 restoration, funded with 504,000 lari, shows state support for the church’s heritage agenda.

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Shio Elected

Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) was elected Catholicos-Patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church on May 11, 2026, receiving 22 of the Holy Synod’s 39 votes.
The election followed Patriarch Ilia II’s death on March 17, 2026, and will see Shio’s enthronement as Shio III on May 12, 2026 at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral at 10:00.
Observers said the vote occurred amid political tension, linking Shio’s candidacy to the ruling Georgian Dream party while the Church stayed silent.

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