Georgian Patriarchate urges no media discussion ahead of Patriarch election

Church procession in Tbilisi in front of the Sameba Cathedral after the repose of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II. Photo: UOJ

On March 27, 2026, the Georgian Patriarchate called for refraining from discussing the election of a new Patriarch in the media and to trust the decision of the Holy Synod, reports 2020 News citing a statement by Archpriest Andria Jagmaidze, Head of the Public Relations Service.

The Patriarchate noted that after the death of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, disputes about his successor have intensified in the country, causing tension and potentially leading to a division in society. In this regard, the faithful were called upon to remain patient and respectful to church order.

Jagmaidze emphasized that the election of the Primate does not depend on television debates and must proceed strictly according to the Church's charter. "The procedure does not depend on television polemics. The Patriarch will be elected by the Holy Synod," he stated.

He also noted that Metropolitan Shio has been carrying out the Patriarch's assignments and managing Patriarchate affairs for nine years, and all hierarchs were ordained by Patriarch Ilia II and bear his spiritual legacy.

Speaking to journalists, Jagmaidze said the Patriarch’s passing became a shared national grief that united people beyond personal differences. At the same time, he noted that the mourning period was accompanied by the spread of politically motivated misinformation, which contributed to divisions within society.

According to him, discussions around the elections should not escalate into confrontation. "It is desirable that discussions do not acquire a character capable of causing a division in society," noted the Patriarchate representative, adding that the decision will be made by a majority vote of the Holy Synod members.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Georgian Church thanked the UOC delegation for support.

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