Metropolitan Shio (Elizbar Mujiri-red) has been elected the new — 142nd Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. The voting among three candidates for the supreme religious leader post took place at a broad meeting of the Georgian Orthodox Church.
39 members of the clergy council participated in the voting. Metropolitan Shio received 22 votes.
It should be noted that Ilia II, who had been the Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia since 1977, passed away on March 17 at the age of 93.
Modern.az presents the dossier of the neighboring country's new patriarch.
From Cello to Religious Summit: Elizbar's Transformation into Shio
Born in Tbilisi in 1969 into an intellectual family, Elizbar Mujiri's (secular name) youth was spent amidst music. When he graduated from Tbilisi State Conservatory in 1991 with a degree in cello, many probably thought he would build a brilliant musical career. However, the turbulent Georgia of the 90s drew him to another path – behind monastery walls.
Admitted to monasticism in 1993 and taking the name "Shio," the young man soon began to rise rapidly in the church hierarchy. Both his personal discipline and his higher religious education received in Russia played a significant role in this ascent.
Moscow Connection: "Golden Bridge" or "Pro-Russian Figure"?
A significant part of Metropolitan Shio's career is linked to Moscow. For many years, he led the Georgian Church of St. George in the Russian capital. This fact divides experts into two camps: some consider him a "golden bridge" between the Russian and Georgian churches, while others criticize Shio, claiming he is too close to Moscow.
His close relationship with his childhood friend, the well-known conservative and pro-Russian businessman Levan Vasadze, is also one of the factors fueling these claims.
November 23, 2017: A Historic Surprise
On that day, Ilia II, with an unexpected decision, appointed Shio Mujiri as his successor (Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne). This was a rare event in the history of the Georgian Church. Since then, Shio has, in fact, been the second person in the church.
Poisoning Scandal: Struggle for the Throne?
In the summer of 2023, the world press was abuzz with sensational news about Shio Mujiri: mercury and other heavy metals were found in the Metropolitan's blood. This news showed how acute the "throne" struggle within the church had become. Although Shio Mujiri survived this incident, it was proof that his path was by no means smooth.
What kind of leader is he?
Metropolitan Shio is distinguished by his strict and conservative stance against modern liberal values. He is a proponent of preserving the traditional institutions of the church. At the same time, he is known for his respectful attitude towards Azerbaijan and other religious communities in the region, emphasizing interfaith dialogue.
