Holy Synod selects three patriarchal candidates
The Holy Synod was held at the Georgian Orthodox Church. Members of the Holy Synod selected three Patriarchal candidates. The 3 candidates were shortlisted from 6 nominated candidates.
The patriarchal candidates are Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) of Senaki and Chkhorotsku and the Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne, Metropolitan Iobi (Akiashvili) of Mroveli and Urbnisi, and Metropolitan Grigol (Berbichashvili) of Poti and Khobi.
Through a secret ballot, Metropolitan Shio received 20 votes, while Metropolitan Iobi and Metropolitan Grogol received 7 votes each.
The extended church council will elect the patriarch from among the three candidates shortlisted by the Holy Synod.
High priests will participate in the vote at the expanded meeting. A candidate who receives more than half of the votes will become the Patriarch.
The extended sitting, at which the Patriarch will be elected, must be held by May 17.
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Tbilisi hosts International dedicated to World Veterinary Day
28.04.2026.17:14
Tbilisi is hosting an international conference dedicated to World Veterinary Day, celebrated annually on the last Saturday of April.
Georgian Minister of Environment Protection and Agriculture Davit Songhulashvili, Secretary General of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Emmanuelle Soubeyran, Georgian Minister of IDPs, Labor, Health and Social Affairs Mikheil Sarjveldze and Chair of the parliamentary Agriculture Committee Gela Samkharauli opened the conference.
Davit Songhulashvili congratulated veterinarians on their professional day and emphasized the significance of the veterinary field in the development of the country’s agricultural sector and the protection of public health.
“The support of the World Organisation for Animal Health indicates our country’s progress in this area. This platform creates an opportunity for professional discussion and debate on international and regional challenges that contribute to further development of this sector, which is of special significance for our country,” the Minister said.
WOAH welcomed Georgia’s progress and assessed the country’s cooperation with the organization as valuable.
The Georgian Health Minister focused on cooperation among the different sectors and said that similar conferences contribute to the sharing of experiences and the development of unified approaches.
Representatives from approximately 20 countries and the WOAH delegation are participating in the conference. In the discussion format, they receive information on animal health measures, prevention of transboundary diseases and laboratory capabilities.
