2026 Georgian patriarchal election
Before 17 May 2026
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The 2026 Georgian patriarchal election is to be held after the passing of Ilia II of Georgia who was Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia from 1977. His funeral is set on 22 March 2026.[1]
Background
Under his tenure, the church became one of the most influential institutions and Ilia II of Georgia was regarded as a respected authority across the political spectrum. Critics however noted the church's lack of criticism to the ruling Georgian Dream party.[2] Ilia II was seen as a conservative figure.[3]
Electoral system
The Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church will nominate three candidates. Each member of the Synod is allowed to name a candidate and the three candidates with the most votes will be presented to the Extended Council of the GOC. The Locum Tenens has to convene the council no sooner than forty days and no later than two months after the start of the vacancy. If no candidate receives the majority of the votes, a second round between the two candidates with the most votes will be held.[4] Metropolitan bishop Shio Mujiri was appointed Locum.[5] To be eligible, the candidate has to be ethnically Georgian, a monk and a bishop of the GOC, have a theological education and sufficient experience in church governance and be between the ages of 40 and 70.[6]
References
- ^ "Holy Synod approves Metropolitan Shio Mujiri as locum tenens of Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia". First Channel. 18 March 2026. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
- ^ "Georgischer Patriarch Ilia II. ist tot". N-tv (in German). ino/AFP/dpa. Mar 18, 2026. Retrieved Mar 19, 2026.
- ^ "Ilia II. ist tot – Am Morgen erlitt der Patriarch eine Magenblutung". T-Online (in German). Deutsche Presse-Agentur. Mar 18, 2026. Retrieved Mar 19, 2026.
- ^ "What is the procedure for the election of a Patriarch in the Georgian Orthodox Church". Orthodox Times. Mar 18, 2026. Retrieved Mar 19, 2026.
- ^ "Georgian Orthodox Church confirms Locum Tenens, establishes funeral commission for Patriarch Ilia II". Georgia Today. Mar 18, 2026. Retrieved Mar 19, 2026.
- ^ "The Patriarchal locum tenens must convene an extended Church Council to elect a new Catholicos-Patriarch 40 days after the death of Ilia II, but no later than two months". interpressnews. Mar 18, 2026. Retrieved Mar 19, 2026.