“I cannot determine God’s providence - everything will happen as the Lord wills, but Bishop Shio has an advantage in terms of votes, and that says something. Perhaps one reason for this is that His Holiness appointed him as locum tenens,” said Metropolitan Ioane of Kutaisi and Gaenati.

According to him, Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne and Metropolitan of Senaki and Chkhorotsku, Shio (Mujiri), gained important experience through his close cooperation with Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II.

“We hope that everything will proceed peacefully. It will happen as the Lord wills. When the three Patriarchal candidates were identified, Bishop Shio had an advantage in votes compared to the other candidates.

Making a choice is an expression of position, but it remains secret who voted for whom. The future Patriarch must have a certain level of experience - no newcomer will be chosen. Our challenge is to maintain unity among the people.

I cannot determine God’s providence - everything will happen as the Lord wills, but Bishop Shio’s advantage in the number of votes says something. Perhaps the reason is that His Holiness appointed him as locum tenens, and he acted with the Patriarch’s blessing. Therefore, Bishop Shio gained considerable experience through his relationship with the Patriarch,” Metropolitan Ioane Gamrekeli stated.

For reference, 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 the Urbnisi and Ruisi Diocese;
• 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.

According to the Patriarchate, attendance inside Sameba Cathedral will only be permitted through special invitation lists. Entry to the cathedral will begin at 10:00. On the day of the Patriarchal election, anyone wishing to attend may enter the courtyard of the cathedral complex, while restrictions apply only to the cathedral building itself.