The Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church identified three candidates for the patriarchal throne

The Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church (GOC) has officially nominated three candidates for the vacant post of Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. The move is a key step in the process of electing a new church leader after the end of the decades-long reign of Ilia II.

According to Orthodox Times, the Synod formed a list of three hierarchs («triprosopon») based on the results of the discussion. Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Chhorotskuia received the most votes, supported by 20 members of the Synod. Other candidates were Metropolitan Iov of Ruthenia and Urbnisi and Metropolitan Grigori of Poti and Khoba, who received 7 votes each. Thirty-eight of the 39 hierarchs of the Holy Synod took part in the voting; Metropolitan Zosima of Tsilkni and Dusheti was absent for health reasons.

The election process is entering a decisive phase: an expanded electoral council will be convened to choose the 142nd Patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church. According to the Church’s statute, this meeting should be held before May 17. Recall that the patriarchal throne has been vacant since March 17, 2026, when Ilia II died at the age of 93. His death marked the end of a significant historical period for the GOC, which causes increased attention to the current elections.