“Yesterday was a day of the greatest significance for our society. At the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, upon the holy throne of the Georgian Church founded by Andrew the First-Called, Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III was enthroned. I wish to extend my congratulations to His Holiness and Beatitude on his enthronement, and to express my hope that the heavy cross he has inherited from our holy Patriarch, Ilia II, may be borne in such a way that the foremost values enshrined in our faith are fully upheld,” declared the Speaker of Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, at a plenary session.

As Papuashvili remarked, society witnessed a rare historical moment, and the day was celebrated with exceptional joy.

“We were present at a moment that occurs but rarely in a person’s lifetime, and all of us were, and remain, filled with a very particular sense of joy. I wish to express to everyone my hope that for many years to come, Shio III, His Holiness and Beatitude, may continue to guide our Church as its shepherd. On your behalf, I wish to offer him, and all of Georgia, congratulations on this singular and most momentous of days,” said Shalva Papuashvili.