For half a century, the late Patriarch of Georgia, Ilia II, was at the helm of the Georgian Orthodox Church. His case can only be compared to that of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania. Ilia revitalized the Church of Georgia.
When he took over, there were only a couple of dozen churches; now the country counts thousands, along with numerous priests, bishops, and metropolitan sees. He is closely identified with Orthodoxy in Georgia. For this reason, the election of his successor will carry great significance—both ecclesiastical and geopolitical—not only for the country.
According to the statute of the Georgian Church, the new Patriarch must be elected no earlier than 40 days after the passing of the previous one and no later than 60 days. Therefore, between April 25 and May 15, the Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church must choose a Patriarch.
Sources in Georgia say that Russia is already trying—as expected—to play a role in the succession. Moreover, the country’s government, which can hardly be described as pro-Western, has expressed its preference for Ilia’s successor. That is the current locum tenens, Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Chkhorotsku.
The late Patriarch had appointed Metropolitan Shio as locum tenens back in 2017. The cynics recall that he did so just a few days after the visit to Tbilisi by Hilarion, then Metropolitan of Volokolamsk.
Most likely, the locum tenens will be included in the final three candidates, as this was the Patriarch’s wish and because—according to reports—he has secured promises of support from 10–12 bishops. He is not considered particularly popular, however, as during his nine years as locum tenens, he has clashed with half of the Holy Synod.
We do not speak Georgian, but friends from the country tell us that all pro-government media outlets are shaping a climate in his favor, with slogans such as: “Whoever does not support Shio is a traitor; we must respect the Patriarch’s wish.”
The others
With promises of votes from five hierarchs, Metropolitan Job of Ruisi and Urbnisi is expected to make it into the three-candidate election process: a conservative hierarch, not particularly sympathetic toward Russia (he has supported breaking communion with Moscow), yet quite zealous and with a “fondness” for prophetic speculation—along with everything that entails (the Mark, the Antichrist, etc.).
Four other names have also been mentioned. Metropolitan Daniel of Sachkhere and Chiatura is a low-profile hierarch with a considerable number of supporters. He is not exactly enthusiastic about the Ecumenical Patriarchate, is pro-government (like the locum tenens), and could have good chances of being elected. However, he turns 71 on May 29, and the statute of the Georgian Church requires that the new Patriarch be between 40 and 70 years old.
Metropolitans Theodore of Akhaltsikhe and Andrew of Gori are closely aligned with the locum tenens and openly favor Russia. In fact, these two hierarchs were the ones who advised Patriarch Ilia not to attend the Holy and Great Council of Crete in 2016.
Finally, the 64-year-old Metropolitan Isaiah of Tskhinvali is a favorite among the faithful of Georgia. He is described as a “saintly” figure with significant work, a man who loves his homeland—his diocese lies in the part occupied by the Russians—and who views the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Patriarch Bartholomew with sympathy. However, he does not hold a degree in Theology, and therefore cannot be considered to have strong chances.
No one can know the intentions of the hierarchs of the Georgian Orthodox Church—or of the Holy Spirit. Whoever is chosen, it is certain that he will have a difficult task following the void left by the late Patriarch Ilia. After all, all the hierarchs of the Georgian Orthodox Church were ordained by him.
“Melchisedek”
