“When the late Patriarch decided to nominate Mitropolitan Shio (Mujiri) as locum tenens to the patriarchal throne, he stated in a narrow circle that he did so to stop discussion on this topic, since a hidden will could create some anxiety in society,” said Andria Jaghmaidze, head of the Public Relations Department in the Georgian Orthodox Church (GOC).
According to Jaghmaidze, following nomination, Shio Mujiri fulfilled various managerial tasks in the Patriarchate.
“Today, all the high-ranking priests in Georgia are ordained by the Catholicos-Patriarch and serve during his time. Their spiritual path was formed during Ilia II’s time. The Patriarch’s distinguished locum tenens deserves special attention since he represents the Patriarch’s will. However, all the rest will be decided through a procedure outlined by the GOC regulations, and the Holy Synod will decide based on the will of all its members,” he said.
Andria Jaghmaidze further explained that the Holy Synod will strictly follow the regulations in the election process of the new patriarch.
“The procedure does not depend on television polemics. The Catholicos-Patriarch will be elected by the Holy Synod at an expanded meeting. Locum tenens of the patriarchal throne, Mitropolitan Shio, alongside other members of the Holy Synod, will strictly observe the process. Catholicos-Patriarch will be elected by the majority of votes from the Holy Synod members,” he said.
Read more:
What Is the Procedure for the Election of a Patriarch in the Georgian Orthodox Church?
