“One of the Patriarchal candidates, Metropolitan Grigoli of Poti and Khobi, told journalists before entering Sameba Cathedral that peace would prevail and Georgia would triumph.

“Peace will triumph and Georgia will prevail. ‘Thy will be done, O Lord, on earth as it is in heaven.’ May God bless you, and may God bless all of Georgia,” Metropolitan Grigoli stated.

As a reminder, the Georgian Orthodox Church will elect the 142nd Patriarch of Georgia today during the expanded assembly at the Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba Cathedral).

By decision of the Holy Synod, the candidates for the Patriarchate are:

• Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne and Metropolitan of Senaki and Chkhorotsku, Shio (Mujiri);
• Metropolitan Iobi of Mroveli-Urbnisi;
• Metropolitan Grigoli of Poti and Khobi.

Around 1,200 delegates are expected to attend the expanded assembly at which the new Patriarch will be elected.