Papuashvili: no interference should occur in patriarch election process, decision belongs to Holy Synod

Georgia’s parliamentary speaker Shalva Papuashvili has said that no external interference should take place in the process of selecting the next Patriarch, stressing that the decision lies exclusively with the Holy Synod.

Papuashvili on Monday said he fully supports statements made by senior clergy, including Metropolitan Jacob and Metropolitan Giorgi, who have called for the election process to remain free from outside influence.

He said the election of the Patriarch was entirely within the competence of the Holy Synod and that all actors should respect its authority and responsibility in making the decision.

According to him, any attempt to interfere in the process would be unacceptable, and all sides should ensure that the Synod is able to carry out its duties independently.

Papuashvili also said there were political forces that appeared to be running campaigns against individual clergy members, as well as against the late Patriarch, which he described as unacceptable.

He noted that the current process carried significant responsibility for the Synod, describing it as only the second such case since 1977 when the body will make a decision regarding the selection of a Patriarch.