The Georgian Orthodox Church is preparing for the election of a new Patriarch against the background of preserving the traditions of Ilia II

Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Chkhorotskuia, Metropolitan of Georgia, emphasized the importance of preserving the tradition of mass baptisms established by the late Patriarch Ilia II. During his sermon on the Week of the Crucified, May 3, 2026, the hierarch expressed hope that this significant practice for the people will be continued by the new leadership of the Church.

According to the Greek Orthodoxia News Agency, the solemn service was held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi. In his speech, Metropolitan Shio noted that the tradition of collective baptisms has brought «great benefit and joy» to Georgian society. Commenting on the Gospel reading about the healing of the paralytic, the Metropolitan drew a spiritual parallel, emphasizing that the Lord gave healing to the whole world through the waters of the Jordan.

Currently, the Georgian Orthodox Church is going through an important stage of preparation for the election of a new Primate, who will succeed Patriarch Ilia II, who led the Church for almost half a century. Recall that following the meeting on April 28, a list of three candidates was formed. It included: Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri), Metropolitan Iov (Akiashvili) and Metropolitan Grigori (Berbichashvili).

The final date of the election of the new Patriarch has not been officially approved yet, but the procedure should be completed by May 17. Voting and official events will take place in the country’s main church, the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Tbilisi