The Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church, during its session held today, officially confirmed Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) of Senaki and Chkhorotsku as the Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne, in accordance with the decision previously determined by the late Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II. The Synod also approved the establishment of a state funeral commission.
The Synod’s resolution was announced by Metropolitan Theodore (Chuadze), who addressed the media following the meeting.
Based on his his statement, the session of the Holy Synod was opened by Metropolitan Shio, who, in his capacity as Locum Tenens, extended condolences to members of the Synod and reflected on the lifelong service of Patriarch Ilia II to both the Church and the Georgian nation.
In his remarks, Metropolitan Shio raised the issue of Church governance in the interim period before the election of a new Patriarch. Senior clergy, including Metropolitan Anania Japaridze of Manglisi and Metropolitan Theodore of Akhaltsikhe and Tao-Klarjeti, who also serves as the Patriarchal Chorepiscopus, shared their views during the session.
The Synod also reviewed the relevant provisions of the Church’s governance statute, specifically Chapter IV, Paragraph IV, before formally approving Metropolitan Shio as the Locum Tenens of the Catholicos-Patriarchal Throne.
In addition, the Synod resolved to establish a funeral commission and confirmed that the funeral of Patriarch Ilia II will take place on March 22, 2026.
“In accordance with the Patriarch’s own wish, the place of burial will be Sioni Cathedral in Tbilisi,” the resolution states.
The Holy Synod also issued a special address to the people of Georgia, calling for unity, repentance, and reconciliation in this moment of national mourning.
“Today, our love for the Patriarch should be expressed through the fulfillment of his lifelong teachings — first and foremost, through repentance before God and one another, mutual forgiveness, and reconciliation. Through the revival of Christ-like love, we will be able to establish peaceful coexistence in our country and strengthen the unity of our society. Let us continue along the path laid by our ancestors, to which the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia made an invaluable historical contribution,” the statement reads.
Patriarch Ilia II passed away at the age of 93, marking the end of an era in the spiritual and national life of Georgia.
Header image: Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri)
