Analyst slams opposition for ‘contradictory’ narratives on patriarchal succession

Political analyst David Chikhelidze has accused the opposition of spreading conflicting messages regarding the Georgian Orthodox Church following the death of Patriarch Ilia II.

Writing on social media on Wednesday, Chikhelidze said the opposition simultaneously praised the late Patriarch as an exceptional figure while questioning the suitability of Metropolitan Shio as his successor.

 He added that some claims even suggested that Patriarch Ilia II was pressured into naming Shio as locum tenens - a notion Chikhelidze dismissed as implausible.

“The opposition is attempting to align with public sentiment at any cost and to craft a narrative that serves its political interests. But the more they try, the more contradictory their statements appear,” Chikhelidze wrote.

He claimed that Metropolitan Shio “stands out for his independence and integrity,” making him resistant to political influence. “His decisions are guided solely by God,” Chikhelidze claimed.