The Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Georgia selected three candidates for the Patriarchal throne during yesterday’s session.
The candidates are:
- Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) of Senaki and Chkhorotsqu, Locum Tenens of the Catholicos-Patriarch.
- Metropolitan Job (Akiashvili) of Mroveli and Urbnisi.
- Metropolitan Gregory (Berbichashvili) of Poti and Khobi.
The Synod selected these three candidates from a total list of six nominees. According to the results of the secret ballot, Metropolitan Shio received 20 votes, while Metropolitans Job and Gregory received seven votes each.
Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) – Metropolitan of Senaki and Chkhorotsqu
Born Elizbar Mujiri on February 1, 1969, in Tbilisi. After completing his secondary education and attending music school, he entered the Tbilisi State Conservatory in 1988.
In 1991, he entered the Shio-Mgvime Monastery as a novice and was tonsured a monk in 1993, receiving the name Shio. He served in various capacities within the monastery, including those of refectorian and steward. He was ordained a deacon in 1995 and a priest in 1996 by His Holiness Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of All Georgia.
He subsequently served in various churches in Tbilisi and Moscow while pursuing theological studies at institutions in Batumi and Moscow. In 2003, he was elected Bishop of the newly established Diocese of Senaki and Chkhorotsqu, with his consecration taking place at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. He was elevated to the rank of Archbishop in 2009.
On November 23, 2017, he was appointed Locum Tenens of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. In 2018, he was granted the right to wear the Diamond Cross.
Metropolitan Job (Akiashvili) – Metropolitan of Ruisi and Urbnisi
Born Elguja Akiashvili on May 29, 1960, in the village of Sno in the Kazbegi region. He studied economics at the Agricultural Institute of Georgia and later served in administrative positions within the Patriarchate.
He was tonsured a monk in 1988, taking the name Job, and was ordained a deacon and priest that same year. He served in various monasteries and dioceses, including Martqopi, Skhalta, and Batumi.
In 1992, he was elected Bishop and later served as Vice-Rector of the Theological Academy and Seminary. He was elevated to Archbishop in 1996 and to the rank of Metropolitan in 2000. He is credited with the revitalization of religious life in the Diocese of Urbnisi and Ruisi, including the restoration of churches, the founding of monasteries, and the advancement of theological education.
Metropolitan Gregory (Berbichashvili) – Metropolitan of Poti and Khobi
Born Guram Berbichashvili on July 18, 1956, in Tbilisi. He studied at the Tbilisi Theological Academy and Seminary.
He was ordained a deacon in 1989 and a priest in 1990, serving in various churches in Western Georgia. In 1996, he was tonsured a monk with the name Gregory and shortly thereafter was consecrated Bishop of Poti by Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II. Since then, he has led the Diocese of Poti and Khobi, contributing to the growth of the local church community.
The Election Process
The new Patriarch will be elected during an expanded Church Assembly, which is expected to take place by May 17.
