“Patriarchal candidates will be selected at the Holy Synod sitting, but Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia will be revealed at the extended meeting,” said Archpriest Davit from Public Relations Service of the Georgian Patriarchate.

According to the Archpriest, members of the Holy Synod will participate in these procedures, in compliance with all rules.

“In this sensitive period, society and especially the parishioners, the mother church calls for more unity and mutual respect. The Georgian people can achieve this, which was confirmed at the funeral of His Holiness and Beatitude. It is the period of Great Lent, and for all believers it is a period of special modesty and a prayerful mood. Due to all this, the church calls on parishioners to concentrate on this period and demonstrate tranquillity,” he said.

Archpriest Davit further explained that the Holy Synod would convene after 40 days from Ilia II’s death.

“Three candidates will be shortlisted through a vote. The candidates must meet certain criteria: There is an age limit, and the outstanding candidate must also have a higher theological education. The patriarch will be elected by members of the Holy Synod at the extended meeting,” he said.

Responding to the question of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II’s will, Archpriest Davit said that His Holiness and Beatitude selected Mitropolitan Shio as locum tenens of the patriarchal throne 9 years ago.

“This order was written by His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II on a piece of paper with his own hand and read from the pulpit himself on the feast of St. George. He then added: St. George wished the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia to have locum tenens. The reason for this, as His Holiness and Beatitude himself ordered, was to avoid unnecessary questions and misunderstandings regarding the will,” he stated.