The Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church has selected three candidates for the Patriarch.
The candidates are: Locum Tenens of Catholicos-Patriarch, Metropolitan of Senaki and Chkhorotsku Shio (Mujiri); Metropolitan of Mroveli-Urbneli Iobi (Akiashvili); and Metropolitan of Poti and Khobi Grigoli (Berbichashvili).
The Synod selected three candidates from a total of six nominees. According to the results of the secret ballot, Metropolitan Shio received 20 votes, while Metropolitans Iobi and Grigoli received seven votes each.
Shio (Mujiri) – Metropolitan of Senaki and Chkhorotsku
In secular life, Elizbar Mujiri, he was born on February 1, 1969, in Tbilisi. After graduating from secondary school and a music school, he continued his studies at the Tbilisi State Conservatory in 1988.
In 1991, he became a monk at Shiomghvime Monastery and was tonsured in 1993 with the name Shio. He held various roles within the monastery, including refectory and economos. He was ordained a deacon in 1995 and a priest in 1996 by Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II.
He later served in several churches in Tbilisi and Moscow and studied at theological institutions in Batumi and Moscow. In 2003, he was elected bishop of the newly established Senaki and Chkhorotsku Diocese and consecrated at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. He was elevated to Archbishop in 2009.
On November 23, 2017, he was appointed Locum Tenens of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. In 2018, he was granted the right to wear the Diamond Cross.
Iobi (Akiashvili) – Metropolitan of Mroveli-Urbneli
In secular life, Elguja Akiashvili, he was born on May 29, 1960, in the village of Sno, Kazbegi region. He studied economics at the Georgian Agricultural Institute and later served in administrative roles within the Patriarchate.
He was tonsured a monk in 1988 with the name Iobi and ordained a deacon and priest the same year. He served in various monasteries and dioceses, including Martkopi, Skhalta, and Batumi.
In 1992, he was appointed bishop and later served as Vice-Rector of the Theological Academy and Seminary. He was elevated to Archbishop in 1996 and Metropolitan in 2000.
He is credited with revitalizing church life in the Urbnisi and Ruisi Diocese, including restoring churches, founding monasteries, and developing theological education.
Grigoli (Berbichashvili) – Metropolitan of Poti and Khobi
In secular life, Guram Berbichashvili, he was born on July 18, 1956, in Tbilisi. He studied at the Tbilisi Theological Seminary and Academy.
He was ordained a deacon in 1989 and a priest in 1990, serving in several churches in western Georgia. In 1996, he was tonsured a monk with the name Grigoli and shortly thereafter consecrated as Bishop of Poti by Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II.
He has since led the Poti and Khobi Diocese and contributed to the development of church life in the region.
A new Patriarch will be elected at an expanded church session, expected to take place by May 17.
Biographical information is based on data provided by the Patriarchate.
