Holy Synod of Georgian Orthodox Church selects three candidates for Patriarchal throne

The Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church has officially selected three candidates to succeed the Patriarchal throne. The announcement was made by Archpriest Andria Jagmaidze, the head of the public relations department of the Patriarchate, following the conclusion of the Synod session.

According to Archpriest Jagmaidze, the three nominated hierarchs are: Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) - the Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne - who received 20 votes; Metropolitan Iob, who received 7 votes; Metropolitan Grigoli, who also received 7 votes.

The final selection of the 142nd Patriarch of Georgia will take place during an expanded Church Assembly, which is scheduled to be held no later than May 17.

The Synod clarified the voting procedures for the upcoming assembly.

The new Patriarch will be elected from the three candidates chosen today. If no candidate secures an absolute majority in the first round, a second round of voting will be held between the two candidates with the highest number of votes.

Archpriest Jagmaidze also outlined the strict canonical requirements for the office of the Patriarch. To be eligible for the throne, a candidate must be of Georgian nationality; a monk and a member of the Holy Synod; possess a higher theological education; be between the ages of 40 and 70