According to the head of the Patriarchate’s Public Relations Service, Archpriest Andria Jagmaidze, the Holy Synod must strictly adhere to the Church’s governing statute when selecting candidates.

“In the criteria, we read that the candidate must be Georgian, must be a monk, must be a member of the Synod, must have an education, and regarding age, it is specified that the person must be at least 40 years old and no more than 70. This Synod does not have the authority to change the statute and must strictly follow it,” Jagmaidze stated.

He emphasized that adherence to established rules is essential for the life of the Church.

“Today, the Synod will select three candidates for the Patriarchate, and afterward, an enlarged session will be held to elect the Patriarch.

The criteria clearly state that the candidate must be Georgian, must be a monk, must be a member of the Synod, must have an education, and must be at least 40 years old but not older than 70.

I am a mathematician - the phrase ‘not older than 70’ means that once a person exceeds 70 by even a day, they are no longer within that limit. Seventy plus any additional days or months is already over 70. From a mathematical perspective, this is completely clear. However, we will see what decision the Synod makes.

Another point is that this Synod does not have the authority to amend the governing statute and must strictly follow it. As for education, how can someone without a diploma apply for a job vacancy and say, ‘I don’t have a diploma, but I am educated’? That would not work in any job.

Any issue can be subject to interpretation. For example, what does it mean to be ‘Georgian’? I had a friend who was Yezidi but was deeply Georgian in spirit. If we reason like that, everything can be questioned. There is also the concept of ‘hidden monks’ - someone who is not formally tonsured but lives a monastic life. So everything can be open to interpretation. That is why I believe it is very important for the Church that the established rules are followed.

We have already received information about delegates from most dioceses,” Jagmaidze said.