LAST UPDATE: 12:20
The Holy Synod of the Church of Georgia is currently in session today, Friday, April 3, 2026, following a summons by the locum tenens of the Patriarchal Throne, Metropolitan Shio of Senaki.
According to the Patriarchate’s Public Relations Service, the main objective of the meeting is to examine organisational matters not explicitly provided for in the Statute governing the administration of the Orthodox Church of Georgia.
As an official announcement clarified, the agenda includes the further preparation of the upcoming Holy Synod and extended assembly sessions, determining the venue and the procedure for inviting members, and other critical organisational issues.
Meanwhile, Andria Jaghmaidze, the head of the Church’s Public Relations Office, told journalists before the meeting began that today’s gathering does not concern the selection of the three-member shortlist for the Patriarchal Throne.
He explained that the meeting is focused exclusively on regulating procedural matters, which are considered necessary for the subsequent and more critical stages of the electoral process to be conducted smoothly.
Read also: What is the procedure for the election of a Patriarch in the Georgian Orthodox Church
Candidacies and the Statute in Focus
According to sources from OrthodoxTimes.com, reports indicate that the issue of interpreting specific articles of the Church’s statute may be raised during the session, something that could affect certain hierarchs’ candidacies.
Particular attention is focused on the cases of Metropolitan Daniel of Sachkhere and Chiatura, and Metropolitan Isaiah of Shio-Mgvime.
The statute stipulates that the new Patriarch must be between 40 and 70 years of age. As Metropolitan Daniel will turn 71 at the end of May, he may be excluded if this provision is applied strictly.
At the same time, questions also arise regarding Metropolitan Isaiah, as he does not hold a Theology degree. If the Synod determines that proof of theological education is required, he, too, may be excluded from the process.
Role of the Locum Tenens and Synodal Procedure
Andria Jaghmaidze, head of the Public Relations Department of the Georgian Orthodox Church, noted that the late Patriarch had appointed Metropolitan Shio as locum tenens to avoid uncertainty.
“Today, all high-ranking clergy in Georgia were ordained during the time of Ilia II of Georgia, and their spiritual formation reflects his legacy,” Jaghmaidze said, emphasizing that the final decision will be made collectively by the Synod in accordance with Church regulations.
He further stressed that the election process will strictly follow canonical procedures, with the new Catholicos-Patriarch to be elected by majority vote during an expanded Synodal session.
Georgian Prime Minister Calls for Non-Interference in the Election Process
The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, stressed the importance of maintaining the independence of the Church in the electoral process.
“The process of electing the new Patriarch of Georgia must be entirely independent, and everyone should trust the Holy Synod, which is responsible for making the final decision,” he stated.
He added that while the government is refraining from involvement, political opponents and affiliated groups have launched campaigns attempting to influence public perception. Kobakhidze described such actions as inappropriate and warned that they risk undermining the Church’s authority and the unique role of the Patriarch.
Russian Intelligence Claims Target Ecumenical Patriarch
Amid the unfolding electoral process, Russian authorities have once again launched an attack against Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, reflecting what many observers view as the alignment of the Moscow Patriarchate with Kremlin policy.
This marks the second time that the Press Office of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Russia has targeted the Ecumenical Patriarch. Approximately two months ago, similar claims were made, accusing him of fomenting division within the Orthodox world and even portraying him as an “agent” of British intelligence.
In its latest statement, titled “Bartholomew Forgot Himself in His Arrogance,” the SVR cites alleged “information” claiming that the Ecumenical Patriarch “continues to pursue an insidious policy of dividing world Orthodoxy, guided by the principle of divide and rule.” It further alleges that “this time, he seeks to subjugate the Georgian Orthodox Church, taking advantage of the passing of Patriarch Ilia II.”
According to the same claims, Russian intelligence accuses the Ecumenical Patriarch of attempting to influence the election process in order to promote a hierarch aligned with his interests.
A Pivotal Moment for the Georgian Church
As the Georgian Orthodox Church moves forward in selecting a successor to the late Patriarch Ilia II, the ongoing Synodal deliberations are expected to play a decisive role in shaping the future leadership of the Church.
The coming days will be crucial, as the Church balances canonical requirements, internal unity, and external pressures in one of the most significant ecclesiastical decisions in recent years.
