New patriarch of Georgian Orthodox Church being elected in Tbilisi
Elections for the Patriarch at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi. Photo: UOJ in Georgia
On May 11, 2026, the Georgian Orthodox Church began the election of the 142nd Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia at the Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba) in Tbilisi. The Union of Orthodox Journalists in Georgia reported the development.
Members of the expanded Synod, clergy, and delegates from the dioceses of the Georgian Orthodox Church are taking part in the vote. The election is being held among three previously selected candidates: the locum tenens of the patriarchal throne, Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) of Senaki and Chkhorotsku; Metropolitan Iob (Akiashvili) of Ruisi and Urbnisi; and Metropolitan Grigol (Berbichashvili) of Poti and Khobi.
Once the voting is completed, the name of the new primate will be announced, after which preparations will begin for the enthronement – the solemn elevation to the patriarchal throne.
As the UOJ previously reported, the Georgian Church had announced the date of the patriarchal election in advance. The need to elect a new primate arose after the repose of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, who led the Georgian Orthodox Church for nearly five decades.
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