Georgia will hold elections for a new Catholicos-Patriarch next week

The Georgian Orthodox Church is preparing for an expanded Church Council, which will elect a new Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia next week. Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri), Metropolitan of the Patriarchal Throne, has called on clergy and faithful to intensify prayers in anticipation of this historic event, which will determine the future of the Church.

According to Orthodox Times, Metropolitan Shio announced the convocation of the council during his sermon on St. George’s Day. He emphasized the crucial importance of the upcoming assembly in choosing a successor to the late Patriarch Ilia II. «I would like to ask our clergy, monastic communities and each of you to strengthen your prayers so that this great event may be held with dignity, in peace and love, and so that God’s will may be revealed,» Vladyka noted.

In his address, the Metropolitan also touched upon the liturgical significance of the current period, noting the coincidence of St. George’s Day with the Epiphany of Pentecost (known in Georgian tradition as «Ganzogeb»). Referring to the Gospel texts about «living water,» he urged the faithful to seek the spiritual guidance and intercession of St. George in the election process. The upcoming election is attracting widespread public attention, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Georgian Orthodox Church after the long leadership of Ilia II.

As a reminder, the Synod of the GOC formed a list of three hierarchs («triprosopon») based on the results of the discussion. The largest number of votes was received by Metropolitan of Senaki and Chhorotskoy Shio, who was supported by 20 members of the Synod. The other candidates were Metropolitan Iov of Ruthenia and Urbnisi and Metropolitan Grigori of Poti and Khoba, who received 7 votes each.