The presence of our delegation here is a visible sign of unity — the unity of the Mother Church of Constantinople and the Church of Georgia — confirming their unity and the unity of faith, said the representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, His Holiness Nikita of Thyatira and Archbishop of Great Britain, in the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

Addressing Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Shio III, he conveyed greetings on behalf of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople, calling his presence at the liturgy a sign of shared spiritual unity.

“Your Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi and Metropolitan of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia, Christ is Risen! As the representative of His All-Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, at this first Patriarchal Liturgy, our delegation here is a visible sign of the bond that unites the Mother Church of Constantinople and the Church of Georgia.

Your election and enthronement took place after your beloved spiritual father, His Holiness Patriarch Ilia II, joined eternity. As the prophet, when he ascended to heaven in a fiery chariot, bequeathed to his disciple and spiritual son Elisha, so the late Patriarch Ilia II gave you his Patriarchate, a mantle and a scepter, to shepherd the flock entrusted to your care.

As the late great Catholicos, you are also called to preach the truth to the flock entrusted to you, to the people engraved on your heart, as a teacher. Patriarch Ilia II enjoyed the greatest trust in Georgia. You too must build and develop strong ties and relationships with the people of this worthy country, because Georgia and the whole world need spiritual leaders who will lead believers to the Kingdom of Heaven.

As you know, Your Holiness, we live in a world full of challenges — a world divided, marked by wars and confusion. We who serve God are called to be peacemakers, especially in these turbulent times, because we preach the way of love, as the Apostle Paul teaches us: ‘Follow the path of love.’

With the scepter of trust established by the Church and the mantle of love of your departed spiritual father, you have strengthened your will in courage to shepherd the faithful flock of Georgia. Believe that the brotherly love and prayers of His Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew are with you. In the name of His Holiness and the great Church of Christ, our delegation joyfully embraces you, saying: ‘Let us love one another.’ May we labor together in the vineyard of the Lord to the glory of His name. Christ is Risen, Axios, Your Holiness and Beatitude!” he concluded.