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
Phanar head could stop church raids with a single word, says UOC hierarch
Metropolitan Theodosiy said the Ecumenical Patriarch must have understood what consequences the creation of the OCU could bring.
OCU and Phanar sponsor known as “Narik” attends opening of Phanarion center
A Dnipro crime figure was spotted in a photo from the opening of the Phanarion Orthodox Dialogue Center in Hungary.
UOC Dnipropetrovsk Eparchy marks 450th anniversary of Samar Monastery
Metropolitan Iriney led the anniversary Divine Liturgy at St. Nicholas Monastery in the city of Samar.
Dumenko and officials hold religious event at seized Cherkasy cathedral
At the Archangel Michael Cathedral, which was taken from UOC believers, the OCU head held a “service” attended by regional and city officials.
Shevchuk thanks mufti for promoting Catholic-Muslim dialogue
The head of the UGCC discussed the importance of interfaith unity with the Grand Mufti of Ukraine.
Roundtable at St. Sophia of Kyiv to discuss double-headed eagle on iconostasis
The St. Sophia of Kyiv Reserve has announced an academic discussion on the meaning of the double-headed eagle depicted on its Royal Doors.