A delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church, led by Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations, visited religious sites in Tbilisi on September 30 and held talks with Patriarch Shio III of the Georgian Orthodox Church.

During the visit, the delegation toured Tbilisi’s Holy Trinity Cathedral, known as Sameba, and the historic Sioni Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God. At the tomb of the late Patriarch Ilia II, Metropolitan Anthony conducted a memorial service. He also venerated the cross associated with St. Nino, Equal-to-the-Apostles, and the relics of St. John of Manglisi.

The Russian representatives later visited the Church of St. Alexander Nevsky, where they honored the memory of Orthodox figures buried there.

The central event of the visit was Metropolitan Anthony’s meeting with Patriarch Shio III at the Georgian Patriarchate. The Russian delegation conveyed fraternal greetings and best wishes from Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’.

According to the Georgian Patriarchate, the discussions focused on cooperation between the two Orthodox churches as well as issues of broader pan-Orthodox significance. The talks also addressed relations between Russia and Georgia and the situation in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

The participants discussed possible ways for the Georgian Orthodox Church to maintain contacts with local Orthodox communities in the two regions.

Patriarch Shio III thanked the Russian delegation for its visit and highlighted its significance for relations between the two churches. The meeting concluded with an exchange of symbolic gifts.