Crisis before the election of the Patriarch of Georgia: Metropolitan Job demands revision of the list of candidates

The upcoming election of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, scheduled for May 11, may face serious procedural changes. Metropolitan Job (Akiashvili) has officially demanded a second vote on the list of candidates, insisting that two previously excluded hierarchs — Metropolitan Daniel (Datuashvili) and Metropolitan Isaiah (Chanturia) — be allowed to participate in the election.

It is reported that the relevant statement of Metropolitan Job has already been drawn up in writing and will be submitted for discussion at the extended session of the Synod. The hierarch emphasized the need to change the current rules, stating that restrictions on age and formal theological diploma should not prevent worthy candidates from participating. According to experts, this statement reflects the sentiments of a significant part of the clergy, which seeks transparency in the electoral process.

The situation around the non-admission of Metropolitans Daniel and Isaiah caused a wide public resonance. The official reason for Isaiah’s dismissal was his lack of a diploma in spiritual education, while Daniel was not allowed to run because he had reached the age of 70. Nevertheless, as analysts note, in Georgian society these actions are perceived as a result of external pressure and interference of the Russian Orthodox Church. Both hierarchs are iconic figures: they are associated with the Sukhumi and Tskhinvali pulpits and are perceived in political circles as symbols of restoration of territorial integrity of Georgia.

Inside the GOC the upcoming vote is called «existential». The key issue remains the liberation of the church from external influence, be it from Moscow or Constantinople. Against the backdrop of these disputes, the position of the current favorite in the race, Metropolitan Shio, may be weakened by the recent conviction for 7 years of opera singer Paata Burchaladze, who was part of the close circle of the late Patriarch Ilia II. The outcome of the May 11 Synod meeting is expected to determine the future vector of development of the Georgian Orthodox Church.