“I think he may even receive more votes,” said Metropolitan Nikoloz of Akhalkalaki, Kumurdo, and Kari when asked whether the number of supporters for the Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne, Metropolitan Shio, would remain the same at the Expanded Council.

According to Metropolitan Nikoloz, it is “difficult to say” whether the other two candidates, Metropolitan Iobi and Metropolitan Grigol, will receive 20 votes at the Expanded Council.

“It is not excluded that Metropolitan Shio [may gain more support]… I don’t know what will happen, because it is already clear what God’s will is; today it is already evident. It is difficult to say whether the other candidates [Metropolitan Iobi and Metropolitan Grigol] will receive more than twenty votes. I don’t know how events will develop,” said Metropolitan Nikoloz.

The Holy Synod has selected three patriarchal candidates. According to the Synod’s decision, the candidates for the Patriarchal throne are: the Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne and Metropolitan of Senaki and Chkhorotsku, Shio (Mujiri); Metropolitan Iobi of Urbnisi and Ruisi; and Metropolitan Grigol of Poti and Khobi.

As the Head of the Public Relations Service of the Patriarchate, Archpriest Andria Jaghmaidze, told journalists, Metropolitan Shio received 20 votes, while the other two candidates received 7 votes each.

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