The Public Relations Service of the Georgian Patriarchate has released a recording related to the appointment of Shio (Mujiri), Metropolitan of Senaki and Chkhorotsku, as Patriarchal Locum Tenens, at the instruction of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II.

According to the Patriarchate, the recording dates back to November 24, 2017, the day after the appointment, and was made by Archpriest Andria Jagmaidze.

“These are difficult times; priorities are changing, science is advancing, and circumstances are evolving. A person must also move forward and find their path. In reality, there are forces ahead—negative forces—and life presents new challenges that require answers.

There are also new challenges within the Church. Relations between people are becoming more complex, and issues have emerged that did not exist before. When developments occur naturally, they are understandable, but when they are artificially created, they add wrongdoing to sin. We attempt to legalize sin and wrongdoing to avoid responsibility, yet ultimately we remain accountable before God, regardless of human laws.

When a Patriarch assumes office, he typically writes a will regarding succession. This may later change. When such matters remain undisclosed, they can create tension and speculation. There have even been cases where such documents were lost.

In my case, Patriarch David told me several times that a will had been written concerning me and asked if I wished to see it. I declined. Later, the document disappeared. This created uncertainty and made it necessary to involve the Synod, as has happened before.

Had this not occurred, I would have simply named the person indicated in the will, which would have resolved speculation. Now the situation is clearer, and everyone understands who the successor is.

At the same time, the successor must remain cautious and not assume he is already the Patriarch. The Patriarch retains the authority to change decisions. The successor should serve as an assistant to the Patriarch and the Synod, acting as the leading bishop after the Patriarch and a primary candidate for the patriarchal throne.

Historical precedent shows that even when a successor is known, the final decision depends on the Synod. Several bishops must present and support a candidate.

It is also important to maintain communication with the faithful and strengthen prayer,” notes the recording, distributed by the Public Relations Service of the Patriarchate of Georgia.