Georgian Synod names three candidates for patriarchal throne
Candidates for the patriarchal throne of the Georgian Church. From left to right: Metropolitan Iov of Urbnisi and Ruisi, Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri), Metropolitan Grigol of Poti and Khobi. Photo: UOJ
On April 28, 2026, in Tbilisi, the Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church named three candidates for the patriarchal throne, UOJ in Georgia reports.
The meeting was held at the Georgian Patriarchate with the participation of 38 hierarchs.
Following the vote, the synod members nominated three candidates: Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Chkhorotsku, locum tenens of the patriarchal throne; Metropolitan Grigol of Poti and Khobi; and Metropolitan Iov of Urbnisi and Ruisi.
The selected candidates will now be presented to an expanded council of the Georgian Orthodox Church, which will elect the new Patriarch of All Georgia.
According to Archpriest Andria Jagmaidze, head of the Patriarchate’s Public Relations Service, Metropolitan Shio received 20 votes, while the two other candidates received seven votes each.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Georgian Church Synod would present three candidates for the throne.
Read also
Authorities set to evict nuns from UOC monastery in Kremenets
Law enforcement officers and museum officials have scheduled the forced eviction of the nuns of the Epiphany Monastery in Ukraine’s Ternopil Region.
Lavra Reserve approves installation of monument to Ivan Mazepa
Experts involved in the project say that placing a monument to Hetman Ivan Mazepa on monastery grounds would help restore “historical justice.”
Estonian сourt upholds law targeting Estonian Orthodox Church
Estonia’s highest court has upheld controversial amendments to the country’s Churches and Congregations Act, clearing the way for legislation that could ultimately be used against the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church (EOCC).
Deputy calls on SBU to take action against UOC faithful in Kamin-Kashyrskyi
Andriy Bokoch demanded that law enforcement intervene in the conflict around the UOC cathedral, which believers have been defending from seizure for two years.
Ryazan court fines Baptist pastor for criticizing Islam in sermon
The leader of the Baptist community called the Muslim faith the opposite of Christianity.
In Mozambique, gunmen shot dead Catholic bishop in his residence
In the city of Quelimane, unknown assailants broke into the home of 54-year-old Bishop Osório Citora Afonso and shot him dead.