Synod of Georgian Orthodox Church names three candidates for Patriarchal Throne
This was reported by Echo of the Caucasus.
After a secret ballot, Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) of Senaki and Chkhorotsku emerged as the frontrunner for the Patriarchal Throne, receiving the support of 20 bishops. Metropolitan Job (Akiashvili) of Ruisi and Urbnisi and Metropolitan Gregory (Berbichashvili) of Poti and Khobi each garnered seven votes.
Other candidates considered for the position included Bishop Grigol (Katsia) of Tsalka, Bishop Melkisedek (Khachidze) of Margveti and Ubi, and Bishop Dosite (Bogveradze) of the Diocese of Belgium and the Netherlands.
During the meeting, there was a separate discussion regarding the participation of Metropolitan Daniel (Datuashvili) of Chiatura and Sachkhere and Metropolitan Isaia (Chanturia) of Nikozi and Tskhinvali in the voting process. They were not granted the right to participate for two reasons: Metropolitan Nikoloz (Pachuashvili) stated that one was denied due to an age restriction, while the other lacked the required diploma.
The Synod consists of 39 bishops, according to the Patriarchate’s public relations office, and 38 were present at the meeting. Metropolitan Zosime (Shioshvili) of Tsilkani and Dusheti was absent; although the Patriarchate did not officially provide a reason for his absence, a Radio Svoboda source indicated that the 74-year-old metropolitan was unable to attend due to health issues.
The Synod meeting commenced in the afternoon. The bishops first determined the pool of candidates for the patriarchal throne, then selected three finalists from that pool by secret ballot.
According to church procedures, the new Patriarch will be elected at an expanded assembly from among these three candidates. If the vote count remains unchanged, Metropolitan Shio could win in the first round and become the 142nd Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia, taking the name Shio III.
For reference, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II passed away on March 17, 2026, at the age of 93. He had led the Georgian Church since 1977 and was buried on March 22 at Sioni Cathedral in Tbilisi.
