“You know that three candidates are running for the patriarchal throne. If any of them receives 20 votes in the first round, there will be no second round, and if none of the three candidates receives 20 or more votes, then a second round will be held between the two leading candidates, on the same day, at the same place,” explained Andria Jaghmaidze, Head of the Public Relations Service of the Georgian Orthodox Church (GOC).

Jaghmaidze once again clarified that the Patriarch would be elected at the expanded sitting of the Church Council, which will be held no later than May 17, though no exact date was finalized yet.

“It is called an expanded assembly because there will be representatives from all dioceses, all monasteries, and higher theological schools, as well as civilians from various segments of society, and voting will take place in their presence. The number of delegates is being finalized, the number may reach 2.000. A delegate will be allowed to address the assembly,” he said.

The sitting of the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Georgia on April 28 selected three patriarchal candidates from six nominees.

The candidates for the Patriarchal Throne are: the Locum Tenens of the Catholicos-Patriarch’s throne, Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Chkhorotsku (Mujiri); Metropolitan Iobi of Mroveli-Urbneli (Akiashvili); and Metropolitan Grigoli of Poti and Khobi (Berbichashvili).