On April 28 at 12:00, the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Patriarchate of Georgia will convene to proceed with the drawing up of the triprosopon for the election of a new Patriarch. The session is being held following the passing of the late Patriarch of Georgia, Ilia II, who fell asleep in the Lord in March 2026.
Behind the scenes and the leading contenders
In a previous report, orthodoxtimes.com referred to 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.
The other candidates
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.
