Georgia holds ecclesiastical assembly to select new patriarch

Georgia has begun an expanded Church Council to elect a new Catholicos-Patriarch, marking a key moment for the Georgian Orthodox Church.

A memorial service is currently being held for Ilia II, who died on March 17 at the age of 93, Caliber.Az reports via Georgian media.

Around 1,200 delegates are taking part in the council. The programme includes speeches from candidates for the patriarchal throne, representatives of dioceses, and a historical overview of the title of Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia.

Only bishops will take part in the final vote. A candidate must secure a majority of the ballots to be elected, meaning at least 20 votes are required.

By Aghakazim Guliyev