Patr. Shio Hosts American Officials at Patriarchal Residence
Georgian church leaders and U.S. officials used a diplomatic meeting to highlight shared Christian heritage and expanding cooperation.
TBILISI — Georgian Patriarch Ilia II’s successor, Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III, welcomed representatives of the United States State Department to the Patriarchal Residence on May 27, where discussions focused on bilateral relations, Christianity, and cooperation between the two countries.
The American delegation included State Department representatives Charles Yock and Peter Andreoli, along with acting U.S. Ambassador to Georgia Alan Purcell. According to the Georgian Patriarchate’s Public Relations Department, the visitors congratulated Patr. Shio III on his recent appointment as head of the Georgian Orthodox Church and repeatedly emphasized the Church’s historic role in shaping Georgian national identity.
Several senior Georgian hierarchs and clergy attended the meeting, including Metrs. Grigoli of Poti and Khobi, Gerasime of Zugdidi and Tsaishi, and Andria of Gori and Ateni. Church officials said the conversation also addressed the longstanding relationship between Georgia and the United States, particularly in the context of shared Christian values and continued cooperation.
The Patriarch invited the American delegation to events commemorating the 1,700th anniversary of Christianity being declared the state religion of Georgia, a major milestone the Georgian Church plans to celebrate throughout the year. The visitors thanked the Patriarch for a warm and cordial reception.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Orthodox leaders congratulated Patr. Shio after the election in Georgia.
