According to the head of the Patriarchate’s Public Relations Service, Archpriest Andria Jagmaidze, no detailed discussion was held on the issue of education at today’s Holy Synod session, although a theological seminary remains the minimum requirement. As for age, no decision was made.

As Jagmaidze noted after the session, senior clergy mainly discussed organizational matters related to the procedures for electing a new Patriarch.

“As stated from the beginning, today’s Synod session focused on defining organizational issues. Certain procedures were determined for the next Synod session and for holding the extended council, including the establishment of three commissions: a mandate commission, a vote-counting commission, and an editorial commission. The composition of these commissions will be defined. We know that the extended session will be held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral. The next Synod session will take place on April 24 - these were the topics discussed.

As for the commissions, their names themselves reflect their functions. The process of electing a Patriarch is not simple. Votes must be counted, especially since there will be many delegates at the extended session, and everything must be well organized. There must be no ambiguity at any stage. Therefore, a great deal of organizational work is required, and it was necessary to reach agreement on these issues.

There was no in-depth discussion regarding education, although at least a theological seminary remains a requirement. As for age, no decision was made today, and it is not yet clear how the provision stating ‘not more than 70 years’ will be interpreted. This will be discussed at the next Synod session, when three candidates are selected.

The issue of age was raised at today’s session, but due to the number of other topics, it was decided to address it more specifically at the next meeting. There was discussion on whether a person who has reached the age of 71 should fall into this category [as a Patriarchal candidate], and this will require further deliberation,” Jagmaidze said.