Metropolitan Shio elected as new Patriarch of Georgian Orthodox Church
Metropolitan Shio has been elected as the new Patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church during an expanded Holy Synod session held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi.
The closed-door session of the Georgian Orthodox Church’s expanded council began at 1:00 p.m. Clergy members voted among three candidates: Patriarchal Locum Tenens Metropolitan Shio, Metropolitan Iob, and Metropolitan Grigol.
According to the voting results, Metropolitan Shio received 22 votes, Metropolitan Iob secured 9 votes, while Metropolitan Grigol received 7 votes.
The election marks a significant moment for the Georgian Orthodox Church, one of the country’s most influential institutions.
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Forecasters predict brief spells of rain and thunderstorms across Georgia amid warm conditions in the coming days
11.05.2026.17:11
According to meteorologists, brief spells of rain and thunderstorms are expected across Georgia over the coming days, against a backdrop of warm temperatures.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) reports that Tbilisi can expect short bursts of rain accompanied by thunder and lightning on May 12-13, with dry conditions returning on May 14. Daytime temperatures will reach +24 to +26°C.
“In the coastal regions (Batumi, Kobuleti, Anaklia, Poti): brief rain and thunderstorms are forecast for May 12–13, with clearing skies on May 14. Daytime temperatures will reach +22 to +24°C.
In the lowland regions of western Georgia (Zestaponi, Kutaisi, Samtredia, Zugdidi, Martvili, Ozurgeti), brief rain and thunderstorms are expected on May 12–13, with an improvement on May 14. Daytime temperatures will reach +24 to +26°C.
In the mountainous regions of western Georgia (Ambrolauri, Oni, Tsageri, Shovi, Chiatura, Sachkhere, Khulo, the Rikoti Pass), brief rain and thunderstorms are anticipated on May 12–13, with largely dry conditions on May 14. Daytime temperatures will reach +21 to +23°C.
In the high-altitude regions of western Georgia (Mestia, Bakhmaro), brief rain and thunderstorms are expected on May 12–13, with conditions remaining largely dry on May 14. Daytime temperatures will reach +19 to +21°C.
In Kartli (Rustavi, Bolnisi, Marneuli, Gardabani, Gori, Tskhinvali): brief rain and thunderstorms are forecast. Daytime temperatures will reach +24 to +26°C.
In Kakheti (Sagarejo, Telavi, Gurjaani, Sighnaghi, Lagodekhi, Kvareli, Akhmeta, Dedoplistskaro): brief rain and thunderstorms are expected. Daytime temperatures will reach +25 to +27°C.
In the mountainous regions of eastern Georgia (Akhaltsikhe, Borjomi, Dusheti, Tianeti, Pasanauri), brief rain and thunderstorms are anticipated. Daytime temperatures will reach +21 to +23°C.
In the high-altitude regions of eastern Georgia (Akhalkalaki, Tsalka, Bakuriani, Gudauri, Omalo), brief rain and thunderstorms are expected. Daytime temperatures will reach +15 to +17°C,” stated in the National Environment Agency’s bulletin.
Georgian PM congratulates Shio III on election as Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia
11.05.2026.17:08
Bidzina and Ekaterine Ivanishvili offer congratulations to Metropolitan Shio on His Election as Catholicos-Patriarch
11.05.2026.17:06
