“There are no issues on which we failed to reach agreement. We agreed on everything that was necessary at this stage. Today’s Synod was focused solely on resolving procedural matters, and a commission was selected,” said Metropolitan Stephane of Chkondidi, Tsageri, and Lentekhi on the PalitraNews program “360 Degrees.”

According to him, certain procedural issues related to preparing the voting process were also decided.

“We cannot make any changes to the Statute of Governance, as this is not within our competence. Today’s Synod is a Synod of a vacant (widowed) Church, which is only preparing the process of electing a Patriarch. No amendments to the statute are made before the election,” Metropolitan Stephane stated.

Regarding issues related to candidates, he noted that the age limit will be determined before candidates are nominated, but within the framework of the statute. He also emphasized that candidates must have theological education, at least at the seminary level.

“As for the age of 70, this will be determined before the nomination of candidates, but we must not go beyond the framework of the Statute of Governance. If clarification is needed, it must be done within those limits. Regarding education, it is stated that theological education is mandatory, and it also specifies that seminary-level theological education is sufficient for a person to be considered a candidate. This falls under the authority of the extended council, and no one makes such changes before elections, as it could lead to differing opinions,” Metropolitan Stephane said.