According to the statute of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Georgia, the Vicar of the Patriarchal Throne convenes an expanded Council to elect a new Catholicos-Patriarch 40 days to 2 months after the Patriarch’s death. Prior to this, the Vicar gathers the Holy Synod to nominate candidates. The Synod, comprising 39 members, selects three candidates for the Council. Each member can nominate a candidate, even themselves. A candidate must secure at least 20 votes to be elected Patriarch. The three with the most votes become the Council’s candidates, where each participant can voice their opinion. Only hierarchs vote for the Catholicos-Patriarch, and a candidate needs more than half the bishops’ votes to win. If needed, a second round occurs between the top two candidates. The new Catholicos-Patriarch’s enthronement happens at the Svetitskhoveli Patriarchal Church in Mtskheta. Candidates must be a Georgian bishop of the Georgian Orthodox Church, have theological education and church governance experience, and be a monk aged 40-70. Currently, 9 Synod members are over 70.
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