Patriarch Shio III of Georgia meets UNESCO experts to discuss restoration of Gelati Monastery

Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III of All Georgia received a delegation of experts from UNESCO and its advisory bodies, ICOMOS and ICCROM, at the Patriarchal Residence on Monday, October 12, 2026, to discuss the ongoing restoration of the historic Gelati Monastery complex.

The delegation was led by Irena Kaketi, Programme Specialist for Europe and North America at the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, and included representatives of the advisory bodies, Alkiviadis Prepis and Alison Heritage.

The meeting was also attended by several hierarchs of the Georgian Orthodox Church, including Metropolitan Theodore of Akhaltsikhe and Tao-Klarjeti, Metropolitan Gerasime of Zugdidi and Tsaishi, Metropolitan Andria of Gori and Ateni, and Bishop Vakhtang of Nikortsminda.

Among those present were Archimandrite Kirion (Oniani), Deputy Chairman of the Temporary Committee for the Rehabilitation of Gelati, Archpriest Andria Jaghmaidze, Head of the Patriarchate’s Public Relations Department, and members of the Gelati Rehabilitation Committee and its National Scientific Council.

Progress of Restoration Work Discussed The discussions focused on the extensive restoration work currently underway at the…