With feelings of fraternal joy and ecclesiastical rejoicing, the Church of Cyprus greets the election of the new Patriarch Shio of Georgia to the historic Patriarchal throne of the Church of Georgia.
Archbishop George of Cyprus, in a congratulatory message, expressed his warm wishes and his unwavering support for the new Primate, emphasizing the fraternal bonds that unite the two Orthodox Churches, and wished him a fruitful and blessed patriarchal ministry.
Read below the message of Archbishop George of Cyprus:
Your Beatitude, Archbishop of Mtskheta and Tbilisi,
Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, in Christ our brother, Mr. Sio,
With the canonical election of Your Beatitude to the Patriarchal throne of the Church of Georgia, the Hierarchy of the Church of Cyprus and I personally extend our heartfelt congratulations and our deep, in the Lord, fraternal joy.
The Church of Georgia, which throughout the centuries has been distinguished by the steadfastness of its Orthodox faith and the devotion of its pious people, now enters a new patriarchal ministry under the paternal guidance of Your Beatitude.
We pray to the All-Good God to grant you health, long life, and all wisdom from above, so that you may shepherd in a manner pleasing to God the holy clergy and the devout people of the Church of Georgia.
Your Beatitude’s beloved brother in Christ,
† George of Cyprus
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou