Patriarchal Locum Tenens, Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri), hosted an introductory meeting with U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires Alan Purcell, attended by senior Georgian Church officials.

Metropolitan Shio highlighted the historic importance of Christianity in Georgia, noting next year’s 1,700th anniversary of it becoming the state religion, and expressed hope for U.S. participation in the jubilee events. The hierarchs also discussed Georgia’s ongoing territorial integrity challenges and thanked the U.S. for supporting its non-recognition policy.

Purcell welcomed the warm reception and expressed hope for further strengthening bilateral relations.