Georgia faces historic moment ahead of patriarch election, Eminence Grigol

The Georgian Church and society are entering a period of expectation ahead of the election of a new Patriarch, His Eminence Grigol Berbichashvili, Metropolitan of Poti and Khobi, said on Monday.

Speaking at a service in Poti’s cathedral, he said this was the first time in modern independent Georgia that a Catholicos-Patriarch will be elected under such circumstances, describing it as a historic responsibility for both the Church and the nation.

Eminence Grigol said the country was going through a difficult period marked by serious challenges, adding that the circumstances made the process even more significant for society.

The top cleric also paid tribute to the late Patriarch Ilia II, saying his legacy was deeply tied to the development of the Georgian Church since 1977, including major spiritual and institutional achievements.

He noted that the coming election should be conducted in a spirit of unity, patience and prayer, adding that the Church could serve as an example of how elections and their outcomes should be respected in society.

He further noted the process represented an important test for both the Church and the nation, with expectations that it would be carried out with dignity and stability.