In Tbilisi, Georgian Church Synod selects candidates for patriarchal throne

Police officers outside the Georgian Patriarchate building in Tbilisi during the Holy Synod session. Photo: UOJ

On April 28, 2026, a meeting of the Holy Synod is taking place at the Georgian Patriarchate in Tbilisi, where hierarchs are selecting candidates for the patriarchal throne, UOJ in Georgia reports.

Before the session began, Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri), concelebrating with other bishops, served a memorial service for the late Patriarch-Catholicos Ilia II of All Georgia.

Thirty-eight members of the Holy Synod are taking part in the meeting. One hierarch – Metropolitan Zosime (Shioshvili) of Tsilkani and Dusheti – is reportedly absent.

The Synod is expected to name three candidates for the patriarchal throne. They will then be presented to an expanded council of the Georgian Orthodox Church, which will elect the new Patriarch of All Georgia.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that a memorial service was held at Tbilisi’s Sioni Cathedral on the 40th day after Patriarch Ilia’s death.

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