Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Shio III received Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić at the Patriarchal Residence during the Serbian leader’s official visit to Georgia, highlighting the deep spiritual and historical bonds between the two nations.

The meeting was attended by Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili, as well as the spouses of both heads of state. According to the Georgian Patriarchate, the discussions took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere and focused primarily on the centuries-old religious, cultural, and historical ties linking the Georgian and Serbian peoples through their shared Orthodox Christian heritage.

Patriarch Shio III emphasized the importance of relations between the Georgian Orthodox Church and the Serbian Orthodox Church. He also recalled with appreciation the congratulatory message he received from Serbian Patriarch Porfirije following his election as head of the Georgian Church.

Participants in the meeting also reflected on the close relationship that existed between the late Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II and the late Serbian Patriarch Pavle, describing their friendship as a symbol of the enduring brotherly ties between the two churches.

A key topic of discussion was the upcoming celebration marking the 1,700th anniversary of Christianity being proclaimed the state religion of Georgia. Patriarch Shio III invited President Vučić to take part in the commemorative events planned for the historic occasion.

President Vučić and Patriarch Shio III underscored the importance of further strengthening friendly relations between Serbia and Georgia. They noted that spiritual unity and shared Christian values continue to provide a solid foundation for cooperation, mutual understanding, and closer ties between the two nations.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations and expanding humanitarian and cultural cooperation. The participants also exchanged commemorative gifts.

The gathering was attended by senior representatives of the Georgian Patriarchate, including Metropolitan Gerasime of Zugdidi and Tsaishi, head of the Patriarchate’s Department for External Relations, Metropolitan Theodore of Akhaltsikhe and Tao-Klarjeti, and other church and public figures.

The meeting highlighted the continuing role of religious and cultural diplomacy in fostering relations between Georgia and Serbia, two countries connected by longstanding Orthodox traditions and historical friendship.