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# Georgian Church Outlines Process for Electing New Patriarch
- URL: https://uoj.news/news/86820-georgian-church-outlines-process-for-electing-new-patriarch/
- Published: 2026-03-28T11:45:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-25T16:12:22.000Z
- Description: The Georgian Church affirms a structured, Synod-led process for electing its next patriarch.
- Author: Tobias Straney
- Tags: #Category: News, Georgian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Chkhorotsku, Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia

**TBILISI, GEORGIA —** The Georgian Orthodox Church [has clarified](https://orthodoxtimes.com/patriarchate-of-georgia-patriarch-election-will-be-decided-by-holy-synod-not-public-debate/) the process for electing a new patriarch following the repose of Patr. Ilia II, emphasizing adherence to established Church regulations.

According to Andria Jaghmaidze, the late Patriarch appointed Metr. Shio (Mujiri) as locum tenens to prevent uncertainty and speculation. He noted that Metr. Shio has already carried out key administrative responsibilities within the Patriarchate and represents the will of the late Patriarch.

[![](https://uoj.news/content/images/2026/01/86223-abp-georgios-sets-timeline-for-election-of-new-metropolitan-of-paphos-36cd912ce580.jpg)On this topicAbp. Georgios Sets Timeline for Election of New Metropolitan of Paphos](https://uoj.news/news/86223-abp-georgios-sets-timeline-for-election-of-new-metropolitan-of-paphos/)

Jaghmaidze stressed that the election of a new Catholicos-Patriarch will be conducted solely by the Holy Synod, in accordance with Church statutes, and not influenced by public or media debate. The decision will be made at an expanded Synodal session, with the new primate chosen by a majority vote of Synod members.

Church officials underscored that the process remains orderly and grounded in canonical procedure.

Previously, the [UOJ reported](https://uoj.news/news/86818-georgian-church-marks-autocephaly-anniversary-amid-mourning-for-patr-ilia-ii) that the Georgian Church marked its autocephaly anniversary amid mourning for Patr. Ilia II.