Metropolitan Andria (Gvazava) of Gori and Ateni stated that all three candidates for the patriarchal throne are devoted to both the church and Georgia. He made this statement at the Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba), where an expanded assembly of the Georgian Orthodox Church is taking place to elect a new patriarch. According to Vladyka (Bishop) Andria, today holds special significance for the church and society. “Today we are electing the Catholicos-Patriarch. There are three candidates, and each of them could become patriarch. The decision will be made by the participants of the assembly based on the voting results. All three candidates are devoted to the church and the country,” he noted. Regarding the possible withdrawal of candidates, Vladyka Andria stated that he does not expect any self-withdrawals. As for the question of […]
Metropolitan Andria (Gvazava) of Gori and Ateni stated that all three candidates for the patriarchal throne are devoted to both the church and Georgia. He made this statement at the Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba), where an expanded assembly of the Georgian Orthodox Church is taking place to elect a new patriarch.
According to Vladyka Andria, today holds special significance for the church and society.
“Today we are electing the Catholicos-Patriarch. There are three candidates, and each of them could become patriarch. The decision will be made by the participants of the assembly based on the voting results. All three candidates are devoted to the church and the country,” he noted.
Speaking about the possible withdrawal of candidacies, Vladyka Andria stated that he does not expect any self-withdrawals. Regarding the issue of potential interference in the election process of the new Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, the Metropolitan stated that he had not personally encountered such a thing and that the question “makes him smile.”
It should be noted that on May 11, the 142nd Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia is being elected at the expanded assembly of the Georgian Orthodox Church in the Sameba Cathedral.
Earlier, the Holy Synod approved three candidates for the patriarchal throne: the Locum Tenens (acting head) of the Patriarchal Throne, Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) of Senaki and Chkhorotsqu; Metropolitan Iov of Urbnisi and Ruisi; and Metropolitan Grigol of Poti and Khobi.
Up to 1,200 delegates will participate in the expanded assembly.
The Patriarchate of Georgia stated that entry to the Sameba Cathedral will be restricted to those on special lists starting from 10:00 AM. However, anyone is free to remain in the cathedral courtyard on the day of the new Patriarch’s election—the restrictions apply only to access inside the church itself.
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