Metropolitan Shio Mujiri has been approved as locum tenens of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. This is said in the decision of the Holy Synod session, read out by Theodore Chuadze, Metropolitan of Akhaltsikhe and Tao-Klarjeti.

“The Holy Synod convened at the sad occasion of the death of Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II. The locum tenens of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Metropolitan Shio Mujiri, opened the session. In his opening remarks, he extended condolences to members of the Holy Synod and recalled the merit of the Catholicos-Patriarch before the nation and church. He then raised the issue of the future rule of the church and the election of the next Patriarch,” he said.

Theodore Chuadze also said that a funeral commission will be established, and named members of the commission.

The Holy Synod confirmed Sunday, March 22, as the date for the funeral of Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II. Ilia II will be laid to rest in the Sioni Cathedral at his own will.

Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II passed away on March 17 at the age of 93.