Metropolitan Nikoloz Pachuashvili of the Akhalkalaki and Kumurdo Diocese has spoken about the Extended Council of the Georgian Orthodox Church, due to be convened on May 11.

As Metropolitan Nikoloz noted, the Extended Council will be attended by some 1,500 delegates; however, they will have no right to vote or to express opinions.

“The question of delegates has largely been settled. It was stated that every diocese must submit a list in advance. I have submitted mine. Admission to the Council will be based on these lists; everyone will have their own identity document. The lists will be verified, and delegates will then be admitted to the Council. Two priests are to attend from each diocese. In addition, two representatives from each monastery. I submitted two persons per monastery as instructed. Not a single delegate will be a decision-maker. I believe these delegates are present primarily to ensure the Council is conducted in a transparent, public setting. Frankly, it would have been altogether better had the whole thing been broadcast live, in which case delegates would not have been needed at all.

The delegates will not be expressing opinions. Initially, it was announced that delegates would be allowed to speak. However, upon further calculation, we realised there are at least 1,500 delegates in total, making it physically impossible for everyone to have their say. In all likelihood, their function will be to attend the Council as observers,” Metropolitan Nikoloz stated.

For reference, the Extended Council of the Georgian Orthodox Church, at which a new Patriarch will be elected, is due to take place on May 11 at the Holy Trinity Cathedral.