“I believe that the choice and decision of His Holiness are unquestionable. Certainly, I want and believe that Bishop Shio will become the new Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia,” businessman Lasha Papashvili told journalists before entering Sameba Cathedral.

When asked whether he expected a second round of voting, Papashvili replied: “I don’t think so.”

According to him, he was invited to attend the expanded assembly of the Georgian Orthodox Church as a guest. The businessman also answered a question about what path the new Patriarch should follow.

“I have said before, in another program, that not only the future Patriarch, but every Georgian should follow the example of His Holiness,” Papashvili stated.

When asked whether he had spoken with other bishops about Bishop Shio becoming the future Patriarch, Papashvili said he had not had the opportunity to discuss such matters and had not spoken about the issue.

Regarding questions about alleged lobbying by businessmen, Papashvili stated that such claims were untrue.

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.