The Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church has nominated three candidates to succeed the late Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II following a secret vote held April 28 in Tbilisi. The nominees are Locum Tenens Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) of Senaki and Chkhorotsku, Metropolitan Iov (Ak’iashvili) of Ruisi‑Urbnisi and Metropolitan Grigol (Berbichashvili) of Poti and Khobi.

According to the Patriarchate, 38 hierarchs participated in the ballot. Metropolitan Shio led the first round with 20 votes, while Metropolitans Iov and Grigol each received seven. The Synod’s decision advances the three to the expanded Church Council, which will make the final selection.

The enlarged Council must convene no later than May 17 at the Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba) in Tbilisi; a candidate will be elected by obtaining a majority of votes (at least 20). The nominations follow the death of Ilia II on March 17, 2026, whose nearly half‑century leadership marked the end of a long era for the Georgian Church.

Profiles of the three nominees:

Metropolitan Shio, 57, has served as locum tenens since 2017; he studied music before monastic tonsure and completed theological training in Georgia and Russia, leading the Senaki and Chkhorotsku diocese since 2003.

Metropolitan Iov, 65, is respected in monastic circles and known for forthright public positions; he led the Ruisi‑Urbnisi diocese since 1996 and has focused on monastic life and theological education.

Metropolitan Grigol, 69, is noted for academic credentials in philosophy and theology, heads the Poti and Khobi diocese since the 1990s and serves as rector of the New Georgian University in Poti.

The final election will follow the Church charter’s timetable, with the new Catholicos‑Patriarch to be chosen between 40 days and two months after the predecessor’s death.