The Tbilisi Theological Seminary has confirmed that Metropolitan Job (Akiashvili) of Urbnisi and Ruisi possesses the required theological education.
Durmishkhan Lashkhi, head of the seminary’s Quality Assurance Service, stated that “all relevant procedures will be carried out” in accordance with the seminary’s findings.
“Whatever conclusion the qualification commission has reached, all procedures will be followed accordingly. I cannot comment on other matters,” Lashkhi said.
As a reminder, Bishop Giorgi Jamdeliani of Marneuli and Khujabi stated on TV Pirveli that the diploma of Metropolitan Job, a candidate for the position of Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, had disappeared from the episcopal residence.
According to the Bishop, on the day candidates were being selected, “the diploma essentially vanished from the bishop’s residence under unexplained circumstances.”
Jamdeliani stated that while he “cannot point fingers at anyone, the diploma is no longer where it was kept in the residence,” adding that “it was most likely stolen.”
The Holy Synod has selected three candidates for the patriarchal throne. The following individuals are eligible to run for the highest religious office of the 142nd Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia:
- Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) of Senaki and Chkhorotsqu;
- Metropolitan Job (Akiashvili) of Urbnisi and Ruisi;
- Metropolitan Grigol (Berbichashvili) of Poti and Khobi.
The new Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia must be elected by May 17, 2026.
Synod names three candidates for the post of the new Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia