Synod of Georgian Church holds session in connection with Primate's repose

The Holy Synod approved Metropolitan Shio as Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne of the Georgian Church. Photo: ajaratv.ge

The Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church held an emergency session in connection with the repose of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of All Georgia. As reported by the publication 2020news.ge, the Synod confirmed Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) as Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne.

The session was opened by Metropolitan Shio, who expressed condolences to the hierarchs and reminded them of the many years of ministry of the reposed Patriarch for the benefit of the Church and the people.

During the session, issues of further Church governance and the procedure for electing a new Primate were discussed. Speeches by hierarchs were heard, and provisions of the Statute on Church governance were read. Following the discussion, the Synod confirmed the previously adopted decision to appoint Metropolitan Shio as Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne.

The Synod also resolved to create a funeral commission, which included representatives of the episcopate and clergy of the Georgian Church.

The funeral of Patriarch Ilia II is scheduled for March 22, 2026. According to his will, the place of burial will be the Tbilisi Sioni Cathedral.

At the conclusion of the session, the hierarchs expressed hope that the prayers of the reposed Patriarch will continue to strengthen the faithful and contribute to the spiritual unity of the people.

"We hope that his prayers will strengthen us spiritually and enlighten our minds, so that we can continue to walk the path of the kingdom that he laid out, and in the near future achieve the unification and revival of the country," said Metropolitan Theodore of Akhaltsikhe, Tao-Klarjeti and Lazeti, reading the decision of the Holy Synod. 

As the UOJ wrote, Georgia declared March 18 a day of mourning for Patriarch Ilia II.

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