The Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church has selected three candidates for the position of Patriarch. According to the Synod’s decision, the candidates are: the Patriarchal Locum Tenens, Metropolitan of Senaki and Chkhorotsku Shio Mujiri, Metropolitan of Urbnisi and Ruisi Iobi, and Metropolitan of Poti and Khobi Grigoli.

He also noted that other nominees included Grigol Katsia, Dositheos, and Melkisedek.

“Today’s Synod session has concluded. As usual, the official decree will be announced later by the Synod secretary. Today’s main issue was the selection of patriarchal candidates. Three candidates were chosen: Locum Tenens Shio, Metropolitan Iobi, and Metropolitan Grigoli. As you know, a vote among these three candidates will take place at an extended session, which will determine who becomes the next Patriarch. The date has not yet been set.

As for the vote count, the Patriarchal Locum Tenens received 20 votes, while the other two candidates received 7 votes each. Other candidates included Grigol Katsia, Dositheos, and Melkisedek.

The key principle guiding today’s decisions was strict adherence to the provisions set out in the Church’s statute,” Jagmaidze stated.