Georgia's Patriarchal Election Scheduled for May 11

Metr. Shio, who is considered the leading candidate for the upcoming patriarchal election. Photo: Georgian Patriarchate

TBILISI — The expanded assembly of the Georgian Orthodox Church will be held on May 11, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Tbilisi, church officials announced, where a new Catholicos-Patriarch will be chosen. The gathering is expected to bring together hierarchs, clergy, and delegates from across the country to also address major ecclesiastical matters, including leadership and administrative priorities.

Metr. Shio of Senaki and Chkhorotsku — Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne — delivered a sermon on the Feast of St. George, linking it with the Transfiguration and the Gospel passage on “living water” from John 7:37–38. He emphasized Old Testament parallels in Isaiah describing water freely given and interpreted “living water” as the grace of the Holy Spirit active within the Church and believers.

His Eminence also called on clergy and faithful to pray for the upcoming council, urging unity, peace, and discernment of will for the Georgian Church and nation.

The three candidates in the upcoming election are Metr. Shio, Metr. Job of Mroveli-Urbneli, and Metr. Gregory of Poti and Khobi.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Metr. Shio had received church leaders in Tbilisi.

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