LAST UPDATE: 12:40
A day of historic importance is unfolding for the Georgian Orthodox Church, as the Holy Synod convenes today to begin the process of selecting a new Patriarch. The session started at 12:00 local time in Tbilisi (10:00 Greek time), marking the first decisive step toward filling the Patriarchal Throne, which has remained vacant since March 17 following the passing of Ilia II.
According to information provided to orthodoxtimes.com, the proceedings began with the performance of a memorial service for the late Patriarch of Georgia. Of the 39 hierarchs, 38 are participating, while one is absent due to health reasons. Metropolitan Zosimas of Tsilkani and Dusheti was unable to attend the Synod.
Three candidates will be shortlisted through a vote. The candidates must meet certain criteria: There is an age limit: the candidate should be no younger than 40 and no older than 70. The outstanding candidate must also have a higher theological education and be a monk. The candidate should have sufficient experience in church governance.
A member of the Holy Synod should nominate one candidate, including his own candidacy.
The three high priests who receive the majority of votes at the Synod will run for election to the extended meeting as candidates for the patriarch.
If no candidate receives more than half of the votes, a second round of ballots will be held with only two candidates running who received the majority of votes in the first round.
The election of a new Patriarch carries profound importance for the future direction of the Georgian Orthodox Church. It is seen not only as a continuation of spiritual leadership but also as a defining moment for preserving unity and stability during a sensitive period.
Public interest remains high, as believers across Georgia and beyond closely follow developments. The forthcoming decision is expected to shape the Church’s role in society and its pastoral mission in the years ahead.
Read also: Patriarchate of Georgia: An election with geopolitical significance
Head of the Public Relations Service: Let us see that the Holy Synod decides
According to Georgian media outlets, “The Holy Synod’s meeting today will select three patriarchal candidates. The candidate for patriarch will be revealed at the extended sitting,” said Andria Jaghmaidze, Head of the Public Relations Service of the Georgian Orthodox Church (GOC).
According to Jaghmaidze, the extended sitting, at which the Patriarch will be elected, must be held by May 17.
“We have not finalized the exact date, but it should be held no later than May 17. We can hold discussions over the date later. As for the criteria, we read that the candidate must be Georgian by nationality. He should be no younger than 40 and no older than 70, and the outstanding candidate must also have a higher theological education and be a monk.
I am not a mathematician, and no later than 70 means that we do not have additional days or months. Let us see that the Holy Synod decides. Another issue is that the Holy Synod cannot change the church regulations and should strictly guide by them.
Any issue can be subject to interpretation; for example, what does Georgian mean? I had a friend, a Yazidi, and he was a very good Georgian. If we think like that, then everything can be questioned. The concept of a monk can also be interpreted in different ways. I think it is very important for the life of the church that the rules that are set are respected,” he said.
The leading contenders
According to orthodoxtimes.com, the leading candidates and the background developments surrounding the formation of the triprosopon for the election of the new Patriarch of Georgia.
According to information, the country’s government has expressed its preference regarding Ilia’s successor. That preferred candidate is the current locum tenens, Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Chkhorotsku.
Most likely, the locum tenens will be included in the triprosopon, as this was the Patriarch’s wish and because, according to reports, he has secured commitments from 10–12 hierarchs. He is not widely regarded as particularly well-liked, however, as during the nine years he has served as locum tenens, he has clashed with half of the Holy Synod.
Metropolitan Job of Ruisi and Urbnisi is also expected to be included in the triprosopon, appearing to enjoy the support of a segment of the hierarchy. He is considered a conservative hierarch, maintaining distance from Moscow while speaking forcefully on matters of faith.
Among the names being discussed is also Metropolitan Daniel of Sachkhere and Chiatura, a low-profile figure with support within the Synod. However, the age limit may prove an obstacle, as he is approaching the maximum age set by the statute.
References are also made to Metropolitans Theodore of Akhaltsikhe and Andrew of Gori, who align with the same “camp” as the locum tenens and maintain a pro-Russian stance.
Metropolitan Isaiah of Tskhinvali appears to enjoy particular popularity among the faithful; however, he does not meet the requirements for a strong candidacy, as he does not hold a degree in Theology.
In any case, the outcome remains open, with the balance within the hierarchy considered extremely delicate.
What the statute provides
According to the statute of the Church of Georgia, the new Patriarch must be elected no earlier than 40 days after the passing of the previous one and no later than 60 days thereafter. Therefore, within the period from April 25 to May 17, the Holy Synod of the Church of Georgia must elect a Patriarch.
The Holy Synod compiles the triprosopon, that is, the list of three candidates, from which the new Catholicos-Patriarch is subsequently elected.
The process is considered crucial for the future of the Church of Georgia.
